Usain Bolt’s Hurricane Melissa Appeal Attracts Massive Cash Boost for Jamaica

Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has seen his plea for help received well with cash donations made to rebuild Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa destruction.

In the wake of the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa, which devastated Jamaica on October 28, 2025, a major European track and field event has contributed $100,000 to support the nation's recovery efforts.

The Allianz Memorial Van Damme, Brussels' iconic Diamond League meet, made the generous donation to the Usain Bolt Foundation to aid those affected by the storm.

The Category 5 hurricane left a trail of destruction, with damages estimated at a staggering $50 billion. In the weeks following the disaster, Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has been at the forefront of relief work, distributing essential supplies and using his global platform to appeal for international aid.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

The donation from the Brussels meet holds special significance for Bolt, who set two memorable 100m records at the event. He first clocked 9.77 seconds in 2008 before improving his own meet record to a blistering 9.76 seconds in 2011—a mark that remains unbeaten. Now, the organization is supporting him in a different kind of race: the race to rebuild his homeland.

The funds arrive at a critical time. The hurricane triggered a 13-foot storm surge that ravaged coastal towns, while landslides have isolated rural communities. More than 540,000 people remain without power, and the island is grappling with an estimated five million metric tons of debris in the western region alone.

Track Stars Rally in Support

Bolt has been actively involved on the ground, visiting affected neighborhoods and delivering aid. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Olympic champion called for unity. "Now, as so many of our children, brothers and sisters face the hardships caused by Hurricane Melissa, please know, We are right here with YOU," he wrote. "We are STANDING together, REBUILDING together, and reminding the world that JAMAICANS never leave each other behind."

The track and field community has united to support Jamaica's recovery. Fellow Jamaican sprint icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has also been leading relief efforts through her PocketRocket Foundation. "Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared, volunteered, or reached out with words of support," she shared on Instagram.

American sprinters have also joined the cause. World 200m champion Noah Lyles announced a partnership between his Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation and former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell to deliver aid to smaller Jamaican communities. "We have already set a trip for St. Elizabeth," Lyles confirmed.

Additionally, American 100m world champion Sha'Carri Richardson made a substantial $500,000 donation to Bolt's foundation, designated for rebuilding homes and schools. Richardson spoke of her deep connection to the island nation.

"The people, the culture, the love, they’ve embraced me even when I wasn’t running," she stated. "I couldn’t watch this happen and do nothing. When one member of the family hurts, we all hurt."