Jamaica’s rising sprint sensation Kishane Thompson continued his impressive 2025 campaign with a smooth and commanding performance at the Continental Tour Gold meet in Budapest, clocking 9.95 seconds to take victory in the men’s 100 meters. Known for his effortless stride and seemingly unshakable composure, Thompson once again demonstrated why many track and field analysts consider him one of the sport’s brightest prospects.
The Budapest meet, part of World Athletics’ Continental Tour Gold series, attracted a competitive field of sprinters from across the globe. Warm evening conditions and a light tailwind of +0.4 m/s provided ideal racing weather.
Thompson, starting from lane five, showed patience and control, getting out of the blocks with his characteristic measured acceleration before unleashing his trademark mid-race surge. By the 60-meter mark, he had clearly separated himself from the pack, gliding to the finish line with minimal strain and an almost casual confidence.
Second place went to American sprinter Kyree King, who clocked 10.04 seconds, while Great Britain’s Jeremiah Azu claimed third in 10.12 seconds. Both men pushed hard in the opening stages, but Thompson’s superior top-end speed proved decisive. His smooth mechanics and upright sprinting form have drawn comparisons to some of Jamaica’s greats, yet he remains firmly focused on carving out his own legacy.
Speaking after the race, Thompson described his performance as “controlled and intentional,” emphasizing that his goal at this stage of the season is consistent execution rather than chasing personal bests.
“We’re building for the big moments later in the year,” he said, alluding to the upcoming Diamond League circuit and the World Championships in Tokyo. “Right now, it’s about staying healthy, staying consistent, and keeping the form sharp.”
The 9.95 clocking was Thompson’s third sub-10 performance of the year, further solidifying his reputation as one of 2025’s most reliable sprinters. Earlier in the season, he ran a season’s best of 9.87 at the Jamaican National Championships, winning the title in front of a roaring home crowd. That performance not only secured his place on the national team but also confirmed his readiness to challenge the sport’s established stars.
Track analysts have praised Thompson’s ability to maintain form under pressure. Unlike some athletes who tend to tighten up in the closing meters, the Jamaican’s running style remains relaxed, allowing him to sustain speed without expending unnecessary energy.
This technical efficiency is a product of both natural talent and the meticulous work he has put in with his coaching team over the past two years.
Budapest’s crowd responded enthusiastically to Thompson’s victory, many appreciating the grace with which he handled the win. The Jamaican flag draped over his shoulders as he completed a lap of acknowledgment, smiling and interacting with fans, offered a glimpse of his growing confidence on the international stage.
With just a few months to go before the sport’s marquee events, Thompson’s trajectory appears promising. His combination of speed, poise, and tactical maturity makes him a serious contender for global medals. The Budapest result may not have been his fastest time of the year, but it was another reminder that Kishane Thompson is no longer just a “name to watch”—he is already one of the men to beat in world sprinting.
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