Lyles and Thompson Shine in World Championship Heats with 9.95 Seconds
Noah Lyles and Kishane Thompson delivered impressive performances in the heats of the men’s 100 meters at the World Athletics Championships, both clocking identical times of 9.95 seconds. The two sprinters, who were separated by a mere five-thousandths of a second in last year’s Olympic final, continued their fierce rivalry as they progressed toward the semifinals.
Lyles, returning to form after an ankle injury sidelined him earlier in the season, showcased his exceptional starting speed. He pushed through the finish line with determination, eager to gain vital racing experience. “I had a great start today, but I had even better ones at practice,” Lyles said. “This is the best form I have ever been in my life. Running 9.95 in the first round is exactly what I wanted to warm up my body.”
The atmosphere in Tokyo was a stark contrast to Lyles’ previous experience at the delayed 2020 Olympics, where he won bronze in the 200 meters in an empty stadium. “It’s way better than last time. This time there is all the atmosphere, whistles, and children cheering for me,” he added.
Thompson, too, is eager to reclaim Jamaica’s dominance in the sprinting world, having recorded the fastest 100 meters of the season at 9.75 seconds. He is determined to bring the title back to Jamaica for the first time since Usain Bolt’s last victory in 2015.
Meanwhile, Oblique Seville, another Jamaican sprinter, had a rocky start in his heat but managed to secure an automatic qualifying spot with a time of 9.93 seconds, finishing third after a shaky performance. South Africa’s Gift Leotela won the heat with a personal best of 9.87 seconds, while Nigeria’s Kayinsola Ajayi also advanced with a personal best of 9.88 seconds.
American Kenny Bednarek, currently second in the world rankings, eased up significantly after halfway, finishing in 10.01 seconds after a chaotic lead-up to the event, which included forgetting his favorite spikes at home. “I’m just a clumsy dude. I’m the type of athlete that will always leave something at the track or forget something back home,” Bednarek admitted.
Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, the Olympic 200m champion, comfortably won his heat in 10.07 seconds, while Canada’s Andre De Grasse, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic 200m winner, also advanced.
Italy’s Lamont Marcell Jacobs, the reigning Olympic 100m champion, scraped through to the next round with a season-best time of 10.20 seconds, managing to finish third in his heat despite ongoing injury challenges.
The excitement builds as the semi-finals and finals are set to take place in the evening session on Sunday, promising thrilling action as the world’s fastest athletes vie for glory.
