'Jamaicans Never Leave Each Other Behind' – Usain Bolt Joins Hurricane Melissa Relief Efforts

Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt offered a message of solidarity to his fellow countrymen on Sunday, expressing his sympathy for those impacted by the devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa across western Jamaica.

In a video posted on his social media platform X, Usain Bolt acknowledged the widespread damage. "I have seen all the videos… and people always say it is so much more different when you see it in action," he stated.

The eight-time Olympic gold medallist, who had recently returned to the island, noted that he was just beginning to grasp the full extent of the destruction left by the Category 5 storm.

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Hailing from Trelawny, one of the parishes severely affected by the hurricane, Usain Bolt spent the day distributing relief supplies at his former high school, William Knibb Memorial, which also sustained damage.

In a heartfelt caption accompanying his post, Usain Bolt expressed his deep connection to Jamaica, reflecting on how representing the country internationally allowed him to showcase the courage, resilience, and spirit of its people.

The 11-time world champion acknowledged that all his successes were rooted in the experiences and support he received at home.

Speaking to those impacted by Hurricane Melissa, he conveyed solidarity, emphasising that the nation is united in facing the challenges brought by the disaster.

Usain Bolt stressed that Jamaicans are committed to supporting one another, working together to recover and rebuild, and demonstrating to the world the unwavering sense of community and care that defines the country.

"JAMAICA, You all gave me the chance to represent you on the world stage, to wear our colours with pride, show the world the strength, resilience, and the heart of our people. Everything I’ve achieved started right here at home,” Usain Bolt said.

“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.

“We are STANDING together, REBUILDING together, and reminding the world that JAMAICANS never leave each other behind."

Meanwhile, Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica in October 2025 as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, caused unprecedented devastation across the island, particularly in western and central parishes such as St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland.

With sustained winds reaching 185 mph, torrential rainfall, and severe storm surges, the hurricane claimed at least 32 lives and damaged over 100,000 homes.

In response, several of the top athletes stepped up to support relief efforts, with Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce distributing aid through her Pocket Rocket Foundation, Canadian sprinter Brendon Rodney mobilising essential supplies, and Usain Bolt actively joining the efforts to help communities recover and rebuild.