October 28, 2025, marked a dark day for Jamaica. The homeland of stars like Usain Bolt, Elaine Thompson-Herah, and Kishane Thompson was struck by a Category 5 storm, Hurricane Melissa. Needless to say, the internet has been flooded with devastating visuals showcasing the wrath of the tropical storm. As the island faces urgent humanitarian and infrastructure challenges, the athletic community has begun mobilizing support through social media. 

National hero Usain Bolt posted a graphic reading “PRAY FOR JAMAICA” that went rapidly viral on X. In the caption, the former Olympian only included a folded hands emoji, which said it all. The post was a prompt message of solidarity and a call for aid. And it was truly necessary. After all, the storm struck the island with a sustained wind speed of 185mph, making it the strongest hurricane recorded to ever hit Jamaica. 

According to reports, St. Elizabeth Parish was among the hardest-hit regions, with floodwaters submerging entire communities and leaving homes, hospitals, and schools severely damaged. More than 540,000 people lost power. To make things worse, a 13-foot storm surge battered coastal towns, and landslides blocked key roads, isolating rural communities and slowing down emergency response efforts across Jamaica. 

Thompson-Herah had already warned her countrymen to stay safe. Yes, her hometown, Manchester Parish, was also affected by the hurricane. But in the aftermath, the athletes, including Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Thompson-Herah, took to social media to pray for their homeland’s destruction. And soon after Usain Bolt shared the post on X, the athletics community joined hands to pray for the island. 

The internet offers prayers after Hurricane Melissa rages through Jamaica

Of course, the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa has been quite a lot to take in for those in Jamaica and outside. But for track fans, the destruction of their favorite athletes’ homeland added an extra layer of sorrow. One comment read, “Heart goes out to everyone hunkering down—stay strong and safe, Jamaica!” Additionally, a few others silently hoped for the welfare of the Jamaicans. Similarly, another fan wrote, “So hoping Jamaica and all there will be okay. Thinking of you all tonight.”

Many users online wasted no time in sending prayers for Bolt’s homeland during the difficult times. Some fans even wished for the country’s speedy bounceback. A fan commented, “The Legend Itself I Pray For Your Country Jamaica And It’s Citizens To Have A Speedy Recovery Brother Ayibobo Ayibobo Ayibobo.” Meanwhile, another added, “Praying for Jamaicans to demonstrate what they’ve always been know for – compassion, community, strength, and love – to help the thousands who will be in need somehow get through the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.” 

Stars like Usain Bolt and others have successfully put Jamaica on the map as one of track and field’s most dominant nations. Their performances have both entertained and inspired the athletics community for years. Which is what pushed one fan to write, “Jamaica, you’ll sprint past this storm like the champions you are 💪🌪️.”

While the messages of support poured in, there were a few accounts that extended a hand for help. Some fans asked for account details and relief fund links so that they could contribute to the recovery of the country. One fan shared the same belief and commented, “When the hurricane passes, please provide an account number to donate and support them. 👏.” Needless to say, the entire world has come together to send their prayers to Jamaica.