The women’s 100m at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events of the entire competition. The build-up has been dominated by the emergence of Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, the American sprinter whose stunning consistency has made her the name to beat. But the big question heading into Tokyo is whether anyone—be it Sha’Carri Richardson, Julien Alfred, or Jamaica’s teenage star Tina Clayton—can halt Jefferson-Wooden’s momentum and deny her a world title.
Jefferson-Wooden: The Standard Setter
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden has risen to the top with a season that blends consistency and raw speed. She owns nine of the top ten times recorded this year, including a blazing 10.65 that instantly cemented her as the leading favorite.
Her ability to dominate across heats, semifinals, and finals has given her an aura of control rarely seen since the days of Florence Griffith-Joyner and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Tokyo presents her with the chance to crown her season with a gold medal that would underline her dominance on the world stage.
Sha’Carri Richardson: The Showstopper
Sha’Carri Richardson remains one of the sport’s biggest names. The reigning Olympic champion has had a mixed season, showing flashes of brilliance but not always stringing together back-to-back dominant performances. Her best of 10.72 this year proves she still has the speed to challenge anyone, and her big-meet pedigree cannot be overlooked.
Richardson thrives under the spotlight, and with the entire track world watching, she will look to reclaim her status as the queen of sprinting. If Jefferson-Wooden falters under the pressure, Sha’Carri is perhaps the most likely to capitalize.
Julien Alfred: The Silent Threat
From the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia, Julien Alfred has been quietly carving out her own path. Known for her explosive starts and technical precision, Alfred enters Tokyo as a legitimate medal favorite.
She clocked 10.75 earlier this year, and her ability to stay composed in tight races could make her dangerous against higher-profile rivals. Unlike Richardson, Alfred does not rely on theatrics or headlines—her weapon is discipline and execution. If the final comes down to composure in the last 30 meters, Alfred has every chance to spring an upset.
Tina Clayton: The Next Jamaican Star
At just 20 years old, Tina Clayton is already being hailed as the next great Jamaican sprinter. A two-time World U20 champion, Clayton has seamlessly transitioned to senior level, clocking personal bests that put her in the conversation with established names. The Jamaican tradition in the women’s 100m is legendary, and Clayton is eager to carry that legacy forward in Tokyo. While she might not yet have the consistency of Jefferson-Wooden, her raw speed and fearless approach could see her rise when it matters most.
On paper, Jefferson-Wooden is the overwhelming favorite, with her times and consistency making her the gold medal frontrunner. Yet championship races are rarely decided solely by form charts. Richardson’s ability to rise on the big stage, Alfred’s steady reliability, and Clayton’s youthful fearlessness all pose genuine threats.
The women’s 100m final in Tokyo promises not just a clash of speed but also of personalities, legacies, and future ambitions. Whether Jefferson-Wooden confirms her dominance or a challenger seizes the crown, one thing is certain—the world will be watching every stride.
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