Jamaican sprint legend Gregory Haughton has shared insights on how Oblique Seville can regain his form and bounce back stronger in the 2025 season after a series of setbacks in recent years. Seville, who is coached by Usain Bolt’s former mentor, Glen Mills, entered the global stage with high expectations but has struggled to live up to his potential. Despite being a promising talent, his performances at major events like the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the World Championships in 2022 and 2023 left much to be desired, as he finished just outside the medal positions on multiple occasions.
Haughton, a three-time Olympic medallist, offered some constructive advice to Seville’s management and coaching team. He emphasized that for Seville to make significant progress in the next season, a more holistic approach to his development was needed. According to Haughton, Seville needs to mature both as an athlete and as a person. While Seville has shown potential, he has faced challenges in handling the pressure of global competitions and the expectations placed on him.
One of the key pieces of advice Haughton offered was for Seville to work closely with an experienced mentor someone who can offer him guidance through the inevitable disappointments that come with professional athletics. Haughton believes that having a trusted figure to confide in would help Seville navigate the mental and emotional challenges of the sport, particularly after major letdowns like his performances in Tokyo, Eugene, and Budapest. Seville has often been on the cusp of greatness but has faltered at the final hurdle. An experienced mentor would provide the support Seville needs to understand that setbacks are part of the journey, and how to build resilience to come back stronger.
Additionally, Haughton emphasized the importance of Seville incorporating a sports psychologist into his team. The mental aspect of competing at the highest level cannot be underestimated, especially when it comes to managing pressure, handling defeat, and maintaining focus on future goals. Seville’s struggles have sometimes been attributed to his inability to recover from past disappointments, and a psychologist could help him overcome these hurdles, putting past failures behind him and focusing on what lies ahead.
Another crucial element to Seville’s success, according to Haughton, is for his management team to give him the opportunity to experience more international competitions. Seville’s limited travel experience has been a factor in his development, with his team initially opting to keep him home for various reasons, including issues with meals and travel logistics. However, Haughton believes it’s time for Seville to step out of his comfort zone. Exposure to different environments, cultures, and competition styles is essential for his growth as an athlete. The more Seville competes internationally, the more he will learn to handle the pressures of major championships and adapt to varying conditions.
In terms of Seville’s physical and technical development, Haughton believes that while the Jamaican sprinter has a solid foundation, he still needs time to mature in terms of his race strategy and execution. It’s not uncommon for young sprinters to falter in major finals, especially when it comes to the 100m, which requires perfect timing, focus, and execution. Seville’s failure to make it to the Olympic final in 2020 and his fourth-place finishes in the 100m at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships suggest that he is still learning how to handle the most intense moments in track and field.
Haughton also mentioned Seville’s recent injury as another factor to consider. Injuries are a common part of an athlete’s career, and Seville’s ability to recover and return to form will be crucial in his quest for success. Haughton expressed his hopes that Seville would not face further setbacks and would be able to perform at his best in the coming season.
The 2025 season represents a critical year for Seville as he aims to regain his place among the world’s top sprinters. With the Paris 2024 Olympics just around the corner, Haughton’s advice could provide the key to Seville’s resurgence. The veteran sprinter’s experience and insights point to the need for both physical and mental growth, as well as a shift in mindset from simply achieving success to fully understanding the process of overcoming setbacks and learning from them.
If Seville can implement these changes, with a strong support team and a renewed sense of purpose, he could finally achieve the success that many have predicted for him. Haughton’s confidence in Seville’s potential is clear, but he also recognizes that growth takes time, and the journey to success requires more than just talent it requires maturity, experience, and the ability to persevere through adversity. With the right mindset and guidance, 2025 could be the year that Oblique Seville finally fulfills his promise on the world stage.
