In a remarkable display of athleticism and determination, 16-year-old Nickecoy Bramwell of Jamaica has shattered Usain Bolt’s longstanding Under-17 400m world record, which stood unbroken for 22 years. Despite grappling with multiple injuries, including a persistent hamstring issue, Bramwell achieved this extraordinary feat at the Carifta Games held at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in Grenada.
Clocking in at an astonishing 47.26 seconds, Bramwell eclipsed Bolt’s historic record of 47.33 seconds, set back in 2002. Reflecting on his remarkable achievement, Bramwell expressed, “It’s a wonderful feeling to break the record. Since last summer, I have been eyeing the record.”
Bramwell further elaborated, stating, “It’s a great feeling I could come out here and get it. I just took my mind off it and focused on the record,” as reported by the Mirror.
Despite his recent triumph, Bramwell’s prowess on the track is not newfound. The Calabar High School student had already showcased his exceptional talent with a personal best of 46.75 seconds in the 400-meter sprint on January 20, a feat achieved even before his record-breaking victory.
Additionally, he set a new personal best in the 100 meters on the same day, clocking an impressive time of 10.94 seconds.
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Continuing his meteoric rise, Bramwell shattered his 200-meter record with a time of 21.45 seconds at the National Stadium in Kingston, less than a month later. His remarkable performance earned him a gold medal in the Class 2 Finals of the Corporate Area Development Meet.
Throughout 2024, the young prodigy has consistently demonstrated his competitive prowess, securing numerous medals across various competitions. Notable among his achievements are first-place finishes in the 200-meter Finals 2 of the OnDiRun / JC Sprint Fest 200 and gold medals in the 100- and 400-meter finals of the Class 2 McKenley/Wint Invitational Meet.
Bramwell’s remarkable journey culminated in gold in the 400 meters at the ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Championships and the Youngster Goldsmith National Athletic Classic.
Despite Bramwell’s exceptional achievement, Usain Bolt’s legacy in the world of sprinting remains unparalleled. The eight-time Olympic gold medallist continues to hold the world record for the fastest 100-meter sprint, an astonishing feat set in 2009 with a blistering time of 9.58 seconds.
Bolt’s unparalleled dominance in sprinting earned him widespread recognition as the greatest sprinter of all time before his retirement in 2017.
