A 16-year-old has shocked the athletics world by breaking Usain Bolt record that stood for 22 years

A 16-year-old has sent shockwaves through the Athletics world by shattering Usain Bolt’s long-standing championship record at the 51st Carifta Games.

Nickecoy Bramwell, a student from Calabar High, Kingston, was one of the favourites to take gold in the under-17 boys 400m event at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in Grenada.

After overcoming a number of injury problems in recent months, including an ongoing hamstring issue, the Jamaican was in confident spirits ahead of the much-anticipated race.

And he had every right to be optimistic. Many were taken aback by Bramwell's dominating performance as he successfully defended the title with a history-making time of 47.26 seconds.

As a result, the teenager broke Usain Bolt’s championship record of 47.33 seconds, which was set all the way back in 2002. You can check out footage from the race below:

Aa you can see from the clip, those inside the Kirani James Athletics Stadium stood and applauded the brilliance of Bramwell, who will no doubt be tipped for great things after such an impressive performance.

To put his performance into perspective, Kemron Mathlyn finished second to Bramwell in 47.96 seconds, while Eagan Neely from St. Lucia claimed bronze in 48.16 seconds.

Speaking after his record-breaking achievement, the Jamaican prodigy said: “It’s a wonderful feeling to break the record. Since last summer, I have been eyeing the record, so it’s a great feeling I could come out here and get it.”

He added: "I just took my mind off it and focused on the record."

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Here's how fans on social media reacted to Bramwell's latest 400m win.

One said: "And he slowed up before the finish line. Imagine him run straight through," and another commented: "I believe the Jamaicans are the best in the world when it comes to the track."

A third wrote: "Yes!!! Glad another Jamaican is carrying on the baton. We are a force to be reckoned with."

A fourth added: "You can see Nickecoy Bramwell's maturity with that interview. He is going places."

One thing is for certain; the future is bright for Jamaica on the 400m stage.

Topics: Jamaica, Athletics, Usain Bolt

Jack Kenmare

Senior Journalist at SPORTbible with a passion for long-form journalism. Almost 10 years’ experience across online and print.

@jackkenmare_