USAIN Bolt's father has died at 68 after a long battle with illness.

Wellesley Bolt, who oversaw the eight-time Olympic gold medallist's rise to glory, passed away on Monday in Jamaica, local media confirmed.

Usain Bolt's mother, Jennifer, at the RaceBolt challenge.Wellesley Bolt has died at 68 Usain Bolt with his parents at a press conference, showing off his new running shoes.Tributes have been paid to the ‘quiet force' behind Usain's success Usain Bolt biting his gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.He was an ardent support of his son, Usain, an eight-time Olympic gold medallist

He was a well-respected figure in the tight-knit community of Sherwood Content in Trelawny, on Jamaica's northern coast.

He ran a small grocery shop and played a pivotal role in the early success of his world-famous son Usain.

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Wellesley Bolt, Usain Bolt's father, at a press conference.