World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25: Oblique Seville Shocks Kishane Thompson and Noah Lyles to Win 100m Gold
In a thrilling finale at the World Athletics Championships, Jamaican sprinter Oblique Seville stunned the field to win the men’s 100 meters gold medal, clocking a remarkable 9.77 seconds. This victory marked Seville’s first senior world title and ended Jamaica’s gold drought in the event since Usain Bolt’s last triumph in 2015.
With Bolt himself in attendance, the 24-year-old Seville expressed his elation after the race. “I feel really amazing and excited that the gold is coming home to Jamaica,” he said. “I have proved that I am a true competitor, that I have the determination of a champion.”
Seville’s triumph came as a surprise to many, particularly given the pre-race focus on the fierce rivalry between defending champion Noah Lyles and Kishane Thompson, who finished second and third, respectively, with times of 9.82 and 9.89 seconds. Lyles, who has struggled with injuries this season, reflected on his performance: “I was making sure every round was faster. Even in the final, I was able to run my season’s best, and I will never be disappointed with that.”
Thompson, buoyed by his recent competitive experience, also embraced the moment. “This was a new type of season for me. It helped me to analyze and see who I really am,” he noted.
The race itself was filled with drama, including the disqualification of Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo for a false start, which drew gasps from the crowd. As the race unfolded, Seville surged ahead in the final meters, leaving his rivals in his wake.
In the women’s 100 meters, American sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden dazzled the crowd with a championship record time of 10.61 seconds, making her the youngest woman ever to win the title at just 21 years old. “It has been an amazing year,” Jefferson-Wooden said. “I was just embracing it. That was worth the gold medal tonight.”
Jamaica’s Tia Clayton earned silver with a personal best of 10.76 seconds, while reigning Olympic champion Julien Alfred settled for bronze after pulling a hamstring, finishing in 10.84 seconds. Alfred had been a favorite, but her struggles became evident as she attempted to compete.
The event was not without emotional moments, as 38-year-old Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, competing in her final championship, placed sixth but earned the crowd’s admiration. “I haven’t felt happier,” Jefferson-Wooden added, looking ahead to her future events, including the 200 meters and the 4x100m relay.
