Category: Track and field

 

Julien Alfred delivered a breathtaking performance at the 2025 Wanda Diamond League meet in London, obliterating the women’s 200m field in one of the most dominant sprint displays of the season. The Saint Lucian sprint star crossed the line in a staggering 21.71 seconds, a world-leading time that sent a powerful message just weeks before the World Championships.

 

From the gun, Alfred looked composed and lethal. Exploding out of the blocks with her trademark sharp acceleration, she quickly made up the stagger on her rivals and entered the curve in total control. By the time she hit the homestretch, it was clear the race was hers to lose. Instead of easing up, Alfred powered through the line, maintaining her form and extending her lead to finish well ahead of a stacked field that included Olympic and World Championship medalists.

 

Her time of 21.71 seconds not only set a new personal best but also broke the meet record, previously held by Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah. It was the kind of performance that left fans at London Stadium on their feet and experts scrambling to update predictions for the global championships. With this run, Alfred stamped herself as the clear favorite in the women’s 200m heading into Paris.

 

Trailing behind Alfred was American sprinter Tamari Davis, who finished second in 22.13, and Britain’s own Daryll Neita, who clocked 22.24 to secure third place. Though both Davis and Neita ran strong races, they were never truly in contention as Alfred’s early speed and flawless transition off the bend separated her from the pack.

 

This dominant display is yet another milestone in what has been a sensational season for Julien Alfred. After setting multiple national records for Saint Lucia in both the 100m and 200m, she has continued to evolve as a force on the international circuit. Her consistency across distances, combined with improved endurance and race management, have made her a genuine sprint double threat.

 

What stood out most in London was not just the time, but how effortless Alfred made it look. Her technique was smooth, her drive phase crisp, and her top-end speed seemed untouchable. Even more impressively, she achieved this level of performance in less-than-ideal conditions, with a slight headwind on the homestretch and cool London temperatures.

 

Track analysts and commentators were quick to point out the historical context of Alfred’s time. At 21.71, she now sits among the top 10 fastest women of all time in the 200m. The performance also sparked comparisons to the likes of Shericka Jackson and Florence Griffith-Joyner, known for their devastating turns of speed in the half-lap event.

 

With just a few weeks to go before the World Championships, Julien Alfred’s London victory sends a loud warning to her rivals: she’s not just peaking at the right time — she’s redefining what it means to dominate. If this form holds, the sprinting world could be witnessing the rise of its next global superstar. And for Saint Lucia, Alfred’s performances are not only historic — they are

inspirational.

 

 

 

Jamaican sprinters Alana Reid and Odaine McPherson delivered commanding performances in Portugal, winning their respective 100m races and reinforcing Jamaica’s global reputation as a sprinting powerhouse.

 

Their victories at the International Meeting in Lisbon not only showcased their individual brilliance but also highlighted the continued emergence of young Jamaican talent on the European athletics circuit.

 

Alana Reid, the 19-year-old sprint sensation, demonstrated maturity and poise beyond her years as she blazed down the track to take the women’s 100m title. Clocking an impressive time of 11.18 seconds, Reid left little doubt about her form and fitness.

 

The win was particularly significant for the former World U20 bronze medallist, who has been steadily building momentum since entering the senior ranks. Her execution in Portugal—quick out of the blocks, smooth transition, and strong finish—reflected the hallmarks of a seasoned athlete, even at such a young age.

 

Reid’s performance adds to what has been a promising season. She has steadily lowered her times and is being closely watched as a possible future star for Jamaica in global competitions.

Many believe she has the potential to follow in the footsteps of legends like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson-Herah. The Lisbon race served as a valuable tune-up as she prepares for the next stages of her international career, possibly including the World Championships or Olympic qualifying events.

 

On the men’s side, Odaine McPherson continued his upward trajectory by claiming the 100m title in 10.17 seconds, a mark that stands as one of his best performances of the season. The 23-year-old sprinter has been steadily climbing the Jamaican sprinting ranks and his victory in Portugal is further proof of his potential to break into the elite category.

Known for his powerful finish and steady acceleration, McPherson controlled the race from midway and crossed the line ahead of a competitive field.

 

McPherson, like Reid, has benefitted from Jamaica’s robust sprint development programs and is beginning to find his rhythm on the European circuit. His performance in Lisbon is likely to boost his confidence heading into more competitive meets, and it positions him as a legitimate contender for relay selection or even individual events at upcoming international championships.

 

Their wins were not just individual triumphs but also a testament to Jamaica’s enduring sprint legacy. Even as the country transitions from the era of Usain Bolt and other global icons, a new generation is stepping up, ready to carry the flag forward. The performances by Reid and McPherson are timely reminders of the strength and depth of Jamaican sprinting.

 

As the athletics season heats up, both sprinters will be aiming to maintain form and avoid injuries. If they can build on their momentum from Portugal, there’s every chance they’ll play significant roles for Jamaica on the global stage in the near future. For now, their victories are reason enough for celebration—a double win in Portugal that keeps the Jamaican sprint mac

hine rolling.

 

 

 

Noah Lyles, the reigning world champion and sprinting superstar, offered an honest and insightful breakdown of his 10.00-second performance in the 100m at the London Diamond League. While the time was far from his personal best and not what fans might expect from one of the sport’s top names, Lyles used the opportunity to reflect, educate, and look ahead with confidence.

 

Running in a stacked field that included Jamaican standout Oblique Seville, who ultimately claimed victory, Lyles finished outside the top three. However, the time itself — exactly 10.00 seconds — was his fastest of the season to that point. More importantly, it served as a crucial checkpoint in his preparations for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo.

 

Speaking after the race, Lyles broke down each phase of his sprint with the clarity of a seasoned technician. “My start was decent — better than some of my previous races,” he said, “but I didn’t quite get the transition right.” He noted that while his reaction time was sharp, the drive phase lacked the fluid power he usually generates, which cost him valuable hundredths of a second in the middle portion of the race.

 

Lyles also emphasized the windy conditions and chill in the London air as minor factors, but he refused to lean on them as excuses. “Everyone ran in the same conditions,” he stated. “The key for me is execution, and I wasn’t as efficient as I needed to be.”

 

What stood out in Lyles’s post-race breakdown was his focus on technical refinement rather than frustration. Instead of bemoaning the time, he explained how his race was part of a broader strategy. “I’m not peaking for London — I’m peaking for the World Championships,” he reminded reporters. “This is all part of the process.”

 

His comments reflect a maturing approach to competition. Once known primarily for his exuberance and bravado, Lyles has grown into a more thoughtful and process-driven athlete. His recent form suggests he’s building steadily, even if the clock doesn’t yet show it.

 

Analysts agree that Lyles’s 10.00 wasn’t cause for concern. In fact, it signals consistency — he’s now run several races within a tight time range, showing that his base speed is solid. What remains is fine-tuning: getting that perfect start, finding the sweet spot in his transition, and maintaining top-end velocity to the finish.

 

Beyond the technical aspects, Lyles spoke candidly about the mental side of racing. “Every time I get on the track, I’m learning something,” he said. “I’ve been through seasons where I peaked too early. I’ve learned that discipline in timing your peak is just as important as raw speed.”

 

As the countdown to Tokyo intensifies, Lyles’s performance in London — and his willingness to dissect it publicly — underscores his commitment to excellence. The 10.00 was not a final statement, but a stepping stone. And if his history is any guide, it’s only a matter of time before Lyles lights up the track once again.

 

 

 

 

 

The 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, will forever be remembered for Jamaica’s spectacular sweep in the  women’s 100m final — a moment of pure sprinting brilliance that not only showcased the Caribbean nation’s unrivaled depth in the event but also underscored its historical dominance in global sprinting. On the night of July 17, 2022, the Jamaican trio of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, and Elaine Thompson-Herah delivered a 1-2-3 finish that electrified Hayward Field and captivated athletics fans across the world.

 

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce led the charge with a phenomenal time of 10.67 seconds, winning her fifth world 100m title — a feat unmatched in the history of the event.

 

At 35 years old, she defied age and expectations, adding another golden chapter to her already glittering legacy. Her crisp start and flawless acceleration left the field chasing her from the first stride. Fraser-Pryce’s win not only cemented her status as one of the greatest sprinters of all time but also served as an inspiration for athletes navigating longevity in sport.

 

Hot on her heels was Shericka Jackson, who clocked a personal best of 10.73 seconds to claim silver.

 

Jackson, a former 400m specialist, had transformed herself into a formidable 100m and 200m contender. Her powerful finish displayed the versatility and raw speed that she had honed over the past seasons. Jackson’s rise to prominence in the shorter sprints hinted at Jamaica’s continued evolution and regeneration of sprint talent.

 

Completing the sweep was double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, who took bronze in 10.81 seconds. Although slightly off her scintillating form from the Tokyo Olympics, where she ran a personal best of 10.54, Thompson-Herah’s performance still reflected her world-class capabilities and cemented Jamaica’s complete dominance in the final.

 

Together, the three women became only the third nation to sweep the medals in a women’s 100m final at the World Championships — and the second to do so in this event after the USA in 1991.

 

The Jamaican sweep was more than just a medal haul. It was a celebration of a culture that consistently nurtures sprinting excellence. With their victory, Fraser-Pryce, Jackson, and Thompson-Herah not only brought glory to their nation but also inspired future generations of Jamaican athletes.

 

Their podium moment — three proud women draped in the black, green, and gold — symbolized not just athletic success but national pride, unity, and female empowerment.

 

Jamaica’s achievement in Eugene sparked conversations worldwide about the island’s dominance in women’s sprinting. From the grassroots programs to world-class coaching, from the Champs school competitions to Olympic golds, Jamaica’s sprint pipeline has produced champions year after year. The 2022 sweep was not a fluke — it was the result of years of investment, culture, and unrelenting ambition.

 

In the end, the 2022 women’s 100m final was more than a race. It was a moment of history written in Jamaican gold, silver, and bronze — a sensational sweep that will live on in the annals of tra

ck and field.

 

 

Oblique Seville dominated a star-studded field that included Noah Lyles in the 100 meters on his London Diamond League debut on Saturday, while helping Team Jamaica’s 4x 100m relay team qualify for the World Championships

Jamaica’s Oblique Seville signaled his readiness for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in emphatic fashion, storming to victory in the men’s 100m at the London Diamond League on Saturday.

 

The 24-year-old clocked a superb 9.86 seconds — the only sub-10 performance in a stacked field that included Olympic and world champion Noah Lyles, who finished second in 10.00 seconds, and British record-holder Zharnel Hughes, third in 10.02 seconds.

 

For Seville, who has been touted as one of Jamaica’s brightest sprint prospects, the victory marked a deeply personal milestone after years of battling injuries that prevented him from ever competing in London.

 

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“First, I have to give God thanks for everything — He’s the one who made all of this possible for me,” Seville told The Inside Lane.

 

“I’ve always told my manager that I wanted to compete at the London Diamond League, but every year I kept getting injured. So, I never had the chance to perform here at all.

 

“To come out and make my debut — and win — at the meet I’ve always wanted to run at, it’s just amazing.

 

“This performance shows that everything I’ve been working on is finally coming to fruition. It boosts my confidence going into the World Championships. It shows Jamaica’s dominance once again in the sprint events. It’s something special.

 

Kishane Thompson Voices Concern Despite Relay Win in London

 

Redemption for Team Jamaica in the Relay

‘Boosts My Confidence!’ -Oblique Seville on Dominating Noah Lyles and Co in London Amid Injury Woes

Ackeem Blakes blasted to men’s 100m victory at London Diamond League.

Earlier in the day , Seville had joined Kishane Thompson, Kadrian Goldson, and Rohan Watson in the men’s 4x100m relay, where the Jamaican quartet ran 37.80 seconds to finish strongly and qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo.

 

The result was especially significant for Team Jamaica, which had failed to secure qualification at the World Athletics Relays in China earlier this year due to botched baton exchanges.

 

In London, despite some lingering exchange issues, the squad managed to put together a performance strong enough to book their ticket to the global stage.

 

“Honestly, I did feel something,” Seville said, referring to slight discomfort during the relay. “I know a lot of people might not believe that, or think I was crashing out, but anyone who understands track and field knows what it is.

 

“It wasn’t a perfect race, but we got the job done. Now we can focus fully on Tokyo.”

 

With his individual form peaking and Jamaica’s relay team back on track, Oblique Seville looks primed to lead the Caribbean sprint powerhouse’s charge at the upcoming World Championships in September.

 

 

 

 

In a thrilling showdown at the 2025 Wanda Diamond League meet in London, Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi delivered a statement performance by fending off a fierce challenge from reigning world champion Marco Arop of Canada to win the men’s 800m with a world-class time of 1:42.00. The time marks one of the fastest ever recorded at the London Stadium and reaffirms Wanyonyi’s status as one of the brightest talents in middle-distance running.

 

From the gun, it was clear the race would be fast and aggressive. The pacemakers took the field through 400m in just under 50 seconds, setting up a high-octane finish. Wanyonyi, who had tucked in smoothly behind the leaders, showed exceptional race awareness and composure.

 

As the athletes came off the final bend, it was Arop who made the first serious move, surging to the front and attempting to break clear. But Wanyonyi responded with power and poise, matching the Canadian stride for stride before shifting gears with 60 meters to go.

 

The final stretch turned into a head-to-head sprint, with the crowd roaring in anticipation.

Wanyonyi’s finishing speed proved decisive as he edged ahead of Arop in the last few strides to stop the clock at an impressive 1:42.00—just shy of his personal best and a clear season’s best. Arop finished second in 1:42.16, while Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati rounded out the podium with a strong 1:43.20.

 

Wanyonyi’s victory was more than just a win; it was a message to the rest of the world ahead of the 2025 World Athletics

Championships. At just 20 years old, the Kenyan has consistently impressed over the last two seasons, and this performance only solidifies his credentials as a future global champion. After the race, he told reporters, “I knew it would be tough against Arop. He’s a world champion and a fighter. But I trusted my training, and today I executed perfectly. This gives me a lot of confidence heading into the championships.”

 

Arop, gracious in defeat, also acknowledged the quality of the competition. “I gave it everything, and it was a great race. Emmanuel was just better today. These kinds of races push us all to be better, and I’m looking forward to facing him again soon,” said the Canadian star.

 

The race also highlighted the resurgence of the men’s 800m, a discipline that has lacked consistent head-to-head rivalries in recent years. With Wanyonyi, Arop, Sedjati, and others regularly delivering top-tier performances, the event is once again becoming one of the most exciting on the Diamond League circuit.

 

Wanyonyi’s time now ranks among the top performances globally in recent history, and with his smooth running style, tactical intelligence, and closing speed, he appears well-positioned to lead Kenya’s new generation of middle-distance runners.

 

As the Diamond League season continues, all eyes will now be on the upcoming clashes between Wanyonyi and Arop, especially with the World Championships drawing near. If London was any indication, fans can expect fireworks whenever these two mee

t on the track.

 

 

 

Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson crosses the line to win the Men’s 4x100m Relay during the Wanda Diamond League Series London Athletics Meet at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park yesterday.

Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson crosses the line to win the Men’s 4x100m Relay during the Wanda Diamond League Series London Athletics Meet at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park yesterday.

 

 

JAMAICA’S MEN’S 4×100-metre relay team has put itself in strong contention for a place at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo after a dominant victory at the London Diamond League yesterday.

 

The quartet of Rohan Watson, Oblique Seville, Kadrian Goldson, and Kishane Thompson blazed to a season’s best time of 37.80 seconds at the Olympic Stadiumto get the better of Great Britain-1’s 38.08 and the Netherlands’ 38.17.

 

Their impressive performance now ranks as the third-fastest time in the world this year, trailing only South Africa and the USA.

 

More importantly, it propelled Jamaica into 15th place in the World Championships (WC) qualifying standings, pushing the Netherlands to 16th and knocking Nigeria out of a qualifying position.

 

The top 14 teams had already secured their spots at the World Athletics Relays in China last March, leaving the next two fastest teams by the August 24 qualifying deadline to complete the field for Tokyo. Jamaica’s latest run puts them in a prime position to claim one of those remaining slots.

 

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s women’s 4x100m squad also delivered a strong performance, finishing second in 42.50 seconds behind a world-leading 41.69 seconds from Great Britain-1. France claimed third in 43.54 seconds.

 

The Jamaican team featured Shericka Jackson leading off, followed by Jonielle Smith, Tina Clayton on the third leg, and Brianna Williams anchoring.

 

While they couldn’t match the British squad’s blistering pace, their performance keeps them competitive as the World Championships loom.

 

 

 

 

Kishane Thompson Voices Concern Despite Relay Win in London

Despite Team Jamaica’s 4x100m victory in London, Kishane Thompson expressed concern over a major issue.

Team Jamaica made an impact in the men’s 4x100m at the Diamond League Meeting in London and qualified for the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

 

The Jamaican quartet of Kishane Thompson, Oblique Seville, Kadrian Goldson and Rohan Watson clocked a time of 37.80 seconds to cross the finish line.

 

Great Britain came in second in 38.08 seconds, with the Netherlands rounding up the podium in 38.17 seconds.

 

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‘Felt No Pain, Just Speed’ — Noah Lyles Reflects on 100m Diamond League Defeat to Oblique Seville

Team Jamaica aimed to secure their spot at the World Athletics Relays, but inconsistent baton exchanges prevented automatic qualification for the global event.

 

Kishane Thompson Raises Major Concern

 

Kishane Thompson. Kishane Thompson has joined an elite company led by Usain Bolt.

Kishane Thompson, running in the anchor leg, unleashed the beast in him, crossing the finish first ahead of his rivals.

 

However, despite the victory, the Jamaican sprint sensation believes there is a lot more to be done, especially with the baton exchanges.

 

Kishane Thompson observed that the exchanges were not as smooth as he wanted them to be, but lauded the team for showing up and giving their best.

 

 

London Diamond League: The Amount Emmanuel Wanyonyi Took Home After Beating Marco Arop

“We are very grateful to get the job done, qualify for Tokyo. I would not say they were the best exchanges, but we got it around safely. We had to trust each other and get the baton around without any issues,” Kishane Thompson said after the race.

 

Meanwhile, Kishane Thompson has been in great shape, starting with the indoor tour Astana Indoor Meet for Amin Tuyakov Prizes.

 

Kishane Thompson then made his 100m debut at the Diamond League at the meeting in Keqiao, finishing second behind Akani Simbine before heading to the World Athletics Relays.

 

 

Christopher Nkunku Breaks Silence on Future as Chelsea Uncertainty Grows

Thompson then claimed top honours at the JAAA WA Championships Preparation #1 and Racers Grand Prix before clocking an impressive 9.75 seconds at the Jamaican Championships.

 

He now shifts focus to preparing for the World Championships where he hopes to win his first-ever global gold medal in the men’s 100m and hopefully anchor Jamaica to a gold medal in the relay.

 

 

In a stunning turn of events at the 2025 Wanda Diamond League in London, Jamaica’s Oblique Seville pulled off a sensational upset by defeating reigning world champion and American sprint star Noah Lyles in the men’s 100m final. The crowd at the London Stadium witnessed one of the most electrifying races of the season as Seville stormed to victory in a personal best of 9.83 seconds, outpacing a field stacked with elite talent.

 

Coming into the meet, all eyes were on Noah Lyles, who has dominated the global sprinting scene since his triple gold haul at the 2023 World Championships. Many expected him to cruise to another Diamond League victory, especially with key rivals like Fred Kerley and Christian Coleman absent from the race. However, Seville had other plans.

 

The Jamaican, often viewed as a potential heir to the sprinting legacy left by Usain Bolt, showed that he’s ready to step into the spotlight. He executed a near-perfect race, starting strong and maintaining form under pressure in the final 40 metres, where Lyles usually gains ground. Instead of fading, Seville found another gear, holding off a fast-closing Lyles and crossing the line with a wide-eyed look of disbelief.

 

Lyles, who finished second in 9.88 seconds, was gracious in defeat but visibly frustrated. “He got me today, plain and simple,” Lyles admitted in the post-race interview. “Oblique ran an incredible race. I’ll go back, watch the film, and make the necessary adjustments. But hats off to him — he earned that win.”

 

For Seville, the win is more than just a Diamond League triumph — it’s a statement. Since finishing fourth at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and narrowly missing medals at past World Championships, the 24-year-old has been knocking on the door of greatness. This performance could mark a turning point, with Jamaica now buzzing about a potential return to sprinting dominance.

 

“It feels amazing. Beating a guy like Noah, who’s been at the top for so long, shows that I’m on the right path,” Seville said. “I’ve worked really hard this season with my coach, focusing on my start and finishing strength. Today, everything came together.”

 

The race also had implications for the wider sprinting landscape. With the Paris 2025 World Championships just weeks away, Seville’s victory reshuffles the pecking order and injects excitement into what was shaping up to be another American-dominated sprint campaign. Suddenly, Jamaica has a serious 100m medal contender.

 

Other notable performances in the race included Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, who placed third in 9.94, continuing his consistent 2025 season. South Africa’s Akani Simbine was fourth, while Britain’s Zharnel Hughes disappointed with a fifth-place finish on home soil.

 

As the Diamond League moves on to Zurich, Seville’s win in London has already become the talk of the track and field world. For Jamaican fans, it was a powerful reminder of the nation’s rich sprinting history — and perhaps, a glimpse of its future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Julien Alfred, Saint Lucia’s sprinting sensation and one of the Caribbean’s most promising track stars, has expressed immense optimism about the future of athletics in her home country. Speaking after her recent success on the international stage, Alfred not only celebrated her own journey but also highlighted the growing depth of talent and the increased global attention Saint Lucian athletics is receiving.

 

Still just in her early 20s, Alfred has quickly evolved into a household name in the world of sprinting. Her standout performances at the collegiate level in the U.S., followed by seamless transitions into elite professional competitions, have inspired a new generation of athletes from the small Caribbean island. Her recent wins on the Diamond League circuit and her consistency in the 100m and 200m sprints have elevated her as not only a medal hopeful but also as a role model.

 

“Saint Lucia has so much untapped potential,” Alfred said in a post-race interview. “When I started, there weren’t many big names in track from the island. But now, more young people believe they can do it. They see what’s possible.”

 

She credits the growing support structure — including improved training facilities, better youth development programs, and international scholarships — for enabling the island’s athletes to flourish. With increased collaboration between local athletic bodies and international organizations, athletes now have more exposure and training opportunities than ever before.

 

Alfred herself is a shining product of this evolving system. Having moved to the U.S. to attend the University of Texas, she broke records and collected multiple NCAA titles, setting the stage for her transition to global elite status. But she hasn’t forgotten her roots. She frequently visits Saint Lucia and engages with young athletes, offering mentorship and motivational talks.

 

“There’s something special about seeing kids light up when they meet someone from their country doing big things. I always tell them — if I can do it, so can you. The key is hard work and belief.”

 

Beyond her personal accomplishments, Alfred is passionate about giving back. She’s currently working with local officials to set up an athletics foundation focused on youth outreach, training camps, and providing resources for underserved athletes on the island. Her goal is to make sure future stars don’t have to struggle to find support or opportunity.

 

Her vision extends beyond just medals and podiums. Alfred dreams of seeing Saint Lucia become a hub for regional track talent, with more athletes competing internationally and the island possibly hosting regional meets. “We have the weather, the people, and the passion. Now, we just need to build the structure and keep nurturing the talent.”

 

As the Paris 2025 World Championships draw closer, Alfred is not just chasing personal glory. She carries the hopes of a nation eager to leave its mark on the world stage. And if her trajectory is anything to go by, the future of Saint Lucian athletics is not only bright — it’s electrifying.