‘Your background is not a barrier’
Seville credits discipline, sacrifice for success, urges others to keep going
Published:Monday | January 19, 2026 | 12:12 AMGregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
The RJRGLEANER National Sportsman of the Year, Oblique Seville, believes the year 2025 should be used by others as an example of why it is important to keep working at your goals, despite whatever setbacks you face.
After years of heartbreak, disappointment and near-misses on the international stage, men’s 100m world champion Oblique Seville has continued to reap the success of his 2025 season as he was named the RJRGLEANER Sportsman of the Year.
The Jamaican speedster has credited his determination and drive as the reason behind his success, and hopes to inspire others to do the same.
Seville collected his award on Saturday at the RJRGLEANER National Sports Awards Ceremony, where he reflected on an impressive year.
He powered home in the men’s 100m at the Tokyo World Championships, claiming gold in a personal best of 9.77 seconds.
The victory marked his first individual global medal, after falling short at World Championships and Olympic Games past.
He had back-to-back fourth-placed finished at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships, and finished eighth in the 2024 Olympic Games, pulling up with an injury in the final.
“When I look back at the experience in the last year, it was a special experience for me. You guys have followed my journey to see where I am coming from, to see that I have finally made it to the podium this year,” Seville said, upon receiving his Sportsman of the Year award.
Seville said in spite of the near-misses in his past, he remained focused on his goal of toppling the world’s best.
He explained that his success has been built on his determination, hard work, and belief in his quality.
“In everything that we do, put God first. My journey hasn’t been perfect. It has been built on discipline, sacrifice, and belief,” he insisted.
“Especially on the days when results didn’t come easily. However, I have learnt that talent may open doors, but it is consistency and character that keeps them open.”
Seville also took the time to encourage others to follow this example and to chase their goals in life.
He championed the idea that success can come from anywhere, and urged others not to allow their backgrounds to limit their aspirations.
“To the young people listening, first, never let where you are from limit where you are going. Two, your background is not a barrier, it is your strength. And three, dream big, work hard, and focus,” he insisted.
“Focus even when no one is watching. Because success isn’t about medals or titles. It is about inspiration and inspiring others, giving back, and living a life that is bigger than your own.”