Category: Track and field

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Julien Alfred delivered one of the most electrifying performances of the 2025 season, scorching to a personal best and world-leading time of 21.71 seconds in the women’s 200m at the Wanda Diamond League meet in London. The St. Lucian sprint sensation not only stunned a stacked field but also announced herself as a major contender for gold at the upcoming World Athletics Championships.

 

Held at the London Stadium, the event was expected to feature a fierce battle between several elite sprinters, but it was Alfred who stole the spotlight with a blistering bend and powerful finishing surge that left her rivals in her wake.

 

The time of 21.71 seconds is not only the fastest in the world this year but also the quickest of Alfred’s career, surpassing her previous best of 21.91. The performance shattered her national record for Saint Lucia and elevated her to new levels of global recognition.

 

From the gun, Alfred exploded out of the blocks with intent, quickly making up the stagger on her outside competitors. By the halfway point, she was already in control, and she maintained her momentum down the home straight to cross the line with a clear margin. Her reaction time, transition, and closing speed were textbook examples of a perfectly executed 200m.

 

Behind her, American star Abby Steiner finished second in a respectable 22.05, while British hopeful Daryll Neita rounded out the podium with a season’s best of 22.18. Despite their strong efforts, neither could match the form and drive that Alfred brought to the track on the day.

 

The performance adds to what has already been a breakout year for the 23-year-old sprinter, who previously made headlines with consistent wins over 100m and solid relay contributions. However, her run in London marks a new milestone, positioning her not just as a Diamond League threat but as a genuine medal contender at the world level.

 

Speaking after the race, Alfred expressed joy and determination: “I’ve been working very hard with my coach, and I came here focused and ready. I didn’t expect 21.71, but I knew I had something special in me today. To do it in front of such a great crowd, and against top competition, feels amazing.”

 

Her performance is now the talk of the sprinting world, especially with the Paris Olympics drawing closer. The 200m event is expected to be one of the marquee showdowns in athletics, and Alfred’s emergence as the world leader adds a fresh narrative to the battle, which is likely to include Sha’Carri Richardson, Shericka Jackson, and Gabby Thomas.

 

What makes Alfred’s feat even more impressive is the maturity and composure she displayed throughout the competition. In an era dominated by big names and pressure-packed races, her calm demeanor and tactical sharpness suggest she is ready to handle the sport’s biggest stages.

 

As the Diamond League series continues, all eyes will be on Julien Alfred. With her combination of raw speed, improved strength, and technical precision, the Saint Lucian star has elevated herself into the global spotlight—and after her London triumph, the w

orld is watching.

 

 

Hunter Bell, Dobson and Lake claim wins in London

Media caption,

Hunter Bell wins well in 800m in London

 

 

 

Britons Georgia Hunter Bell, Charlie Dobson and Morgan Lake claimed victories in front of a sell-out home crowd of 60,000 at the London Diamond League.

 

Olympic 1500m bronze medallist Hunter Bell stormed clear on the home straight to take victory in the women’s 800m in a season’s best one minute 56.74 seconds.

 

Dobson could barely believe his victory in the men’s 400m as he burst past the leaders – including compatriot Matthew Hudson-Smith – in the closing stages to clock a personal best 44.14 seconds.

 

Lake won the women’s high jump as the only athlete to clear 1.96m in a field that included world record holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh and Olympic medallist Eleanor Patterson.

 

But world 1500m champion Josh Kerr, who had targeted his own British record, was made to settle for second as he was upstaged by Kenyan 19-year-old Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech.

 

Koech passed Kerr on the inside with 200m to go and held on for victory in three minutes 28.82 seconds, as Kerr clocked his best time of the season with 3:29.37.

 

Former world champion Jake Wightman was fourth in 3:31.58, Elliot Giles finished in sixth (3:32.51) and Neil Gourley 10th (3:33.69) – but George Mills fell after being tripped on the final lap.

 

There was also a second-place finish for Dina Asher-Smith, who pipped fellow Briton Amy Hunt behind clear winner Julien Alfred in the women’s 200m.

 

The stellar programme at the home of so many iconic moments at the 2012 Olympics came on the same day the UK government confirmed it will support the city’s bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.

 

British stars shine in front of home support

In the absence of Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson, who continues to make her way back from a hamstring injury, training partner Hunter Bell starred as she once again displayed her excellent finishing speed over the two-lap event.

 

The 31-year-old is continuing her exciting progress in her first season as a full-time athlete, having left her job in cybersecurity after completing a spectacular rise from obscurity to the Olympic podium last year.

 

She drew loud cheers from an energetic crowd as she timed her effort to perfection, replicating the stylish 800m win she achieved at last month’s Stockholm Diamond League.

 

Jemma Reekie placed sixth in 1:58.76 and Laura Muir, rebuilding after an injury-disrupted start to the year, was 10th in 2:00.95.

 

Media caption,

Dobson shocks field to win 400m at Diamond League

 

There was perhaps no better reaction than that of Dobson, who appeared stunned after coming from seemingly nowhere with 100m remaining to beat world-class competition.

 

Olympic and world silver medallist Hudson-Smith crossed the line second in 44.27, ahead of South Africa’s Zakithi Nene, who has run the fastest time in the world this year with 43.76.

 

“I don’t know what happened,” Dobson told BBC Sport.

 

“I got to the last 100m and I felt great. I was catching everyone. I thought to myself, if I just dig really deep then I can get them – and I did!”

 

Having already clinched victory in the women’s high jump with her second-time clearance at 1.96m, Lake thrived under the gaze of the entire crowd and went close to breaking her British record with three solid attempts at 2m.

 

While Kerr could not deliver the record-breaking finale he hoped to, he will take lessons from his loss to Koech and has time on his side with two months until his world title defence in Tokyo.

 

“I should be winning those, so I am frustrated,” said Kerr.

 

“I really wanted to show up and win for this crowd but all I can promise to them now is in a few months’ time I will be battling for a gold medal for this country.

 

“I’ll bring it home and then everyone can see what we were working towards today.”

 

Former 200m world champion Asher-Smith overhauled Hunt as she crossed the line in 22.25 seconds, with the ever-improving Hunt clocking 22.31 to set a new personal best, beating her world under-18 record of 22.42 six years ago.

 

But Olympic 100m champion Alfred proved a class above, recording the joint-ninth fastest 200m of all time as she stormed to victory in 21.71.

 

Ireland’s Rhasidat Adeleke was fourth in 22.52, with Daryll Neita sixth in 22.69.

 

Media caption,

‘Look at Alfred go!’ – Asher-Smith and Hunt beaten in 200m

 

Lyles upstaged by Seville but Bol cruises to victory

Jamaica’s Oblique Seville claimed a stunning victory in the men’s 100m, obliterating a line-up featuring Olympic champion Noah Lyles by finishing in 9.86 secs.

 

Lyles, whose season has been disrupted by injury, finished second in 10.00, ahead of Britain’s world bronze medallist Zharnel Hughes (10.02).

 

World indoor 60m champion Jeremiah Azu was sixth in 10.11, ahead of Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo (10.12) and rising star Louie Hinchliffe (10.21).

 

Elsewhere, Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi overhauled world champion Marco Arop in a thrilling finish to the men’s 800m.

 

Kenyan Wanyonyi clocked a meeting record 1:42.00 to edge his Canadian rival, ahead of Britain’s Max Burgin who ran a personal best 1:42.36 to finish third and replace Steve Cram as the third fastest British man in history.

 

He stands behind Sebastian Coe and 2023 world bronze medallist Ben Pattison, who crossed the line in 10th (1:46.08) behind compatriot Ethan Hussey, who ran a personal best 1:44.30.

 

 

Team South Africa experienced a bittersweet day at the London Diamond League as Zakhiti Nene produced a stunning performance to claim a podium finish in the men’s 400m, while Akani Simbine faltered in the 100m dash, finishing outside the top three in a race filled with top global sprinting talent.

 

Nene, who has been steadily building form throughout the 2025 season, clocked a season’s best time of 44.92 seconds to place third behind a world-class field. The 26-year-old demonstrated both tactical maturity and finishing strength, surging in the final 100 metres to clinch a deserved spot on the podium. The race was won by Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith, who thrilled the home crowd with a time of 44.31, while American Vernon Norwood took second in 44.70.

 

For Nene, this performance marks a significant step forward as he eyes qualification for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. It was a confident, composed run, and a sign that he could emerge as a legitimate contender on the global stage. Speaking after the race, Nene credited his training block and mental preparation: “We’ve been building for this. It’s not just about times anymore — it’s about racing smart and learning how to finish strong.”

 

South Africa’s 400m talent pool has seen a revival in recent years, and Nene’s performance in London only strengthens the argument that the country could return to medal contention in the one-lap event, especially if he maintains his trajectory.

 

On the flip side, Akani Simbine’s outing in the men’s 100m was far less encouraging. The national record holder, who had looked sharp earlier in the season, struggled from the blocks and never truly found his rhythm in a loaded field that included American Christian Coleman, Jamaica’s Oblique Seville, and Britain’s Zharnel Hughes. Simbine crossed the line in seventh place with a time of 10.13 seconds — well off his personal best and below the expectations of his fans and coaching team.

 

The race was won by Seville, who powered to an impressive 9.92 win, holding off Coleman (9.95) and Hughes (10.01). Simbine, meanwhile, looked out of sorts, his usual fluid sprint mechanics missing, and his reaction time slower than usual. It was a stark contrast to his season-opening performances and raised questions about his readiness for the global championships.

 

Simbine, a perennial figure in major finals over the last decade, now faces a challenge to regain his top form in time. With only weeks left before the World Championships, the clock is ticking. In his post-race comments, he acknowledged the setback but remained optimistic: “It wasn’t the race I wanted, but I’m not panicking. We’ve got time to fix what went wrong.”

 

South Africa’s athletics fans will hope he can do just that. With Nene offering a silver lining in the 400m, there remains hope that the nation can still leave a strong mark in Tokyo.

 

In the broader context, the London Diamond League served as a critical litmus test for South African sprinters. While one athlete rose to the occasion and signaled his readiness for the world stage, another will have to regroup quickly to recapture the form that has made him one of Africa’s p

remier sprinters.

 

 

 

Jamaica’s men’s 4×100 metres relay team has taken a significant step toward defending its legacy on the global stage by moving into a World Championships qualifying position, following a series of strong performances this season. The quartet’s timely resurgence is not only a boost for the island nation’s rich sprinting tradition but also a critical moment of reassurance for fans who have long looked to Jamaica for excellence in relay sprinting.

 

The Jamaican men posted a season-best time that vaulted them into the top 16 global rankings, the cutoff point for automatic qualification to the 2025 World Athletics Championships. With only a few major international relay events left before the qualification window closes, the performance came just in time, securing Jamaica’s place among the elite nations.

 

Jamaica’s road to qualification had been riddled with inconsistency and concerns. After the golden era led by legends like Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, and Asafa Powell, the country’s men’s 4×100 team had struggled to maintain its dominance. While the women’s side remained a powerhouse, the men’s team faced a rebuilding phase. Missed baton passes, changes in coaching personnel, and injuries to top sprinters all contributed to their decline in recent years.

 

However, things are beginning to click again. The latest relay squad featured a blend of youth and experience, including athletes like Rohan Watson and Oblique Seville, who have emerged as reliable stars on the individual sprinting circuit. Their presence, combined with a renewed emphasis on relay-specific training, appears to have turned the tide.

 

At the most recent Diamond League meeting in London, the Jamaican quartet clocked a time of 37.86 seconds, placing them comfortably within the qualification threshold. The run showcased improved baton chemistry, smoother handovers, and a cohesive team structure—elements that had been sorely lacking in previous seasons. Importantly, the time not only moved them into the top 16 but also ranked among the fastest times posted this year by any team.

 

Relay coach Maurice Wilson emphasized that the focus has been on fundamentals: “We’ve gone back to basics—executing the passes, maintaining discipline on the exchange zones, and understanding each runner’s rhythm. These are the small things that make a big difference.”

 

The Jamaican Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has also played a more hands-on role in recent months, organizing additional relay camps and ensuring that the top athletes are available and committed. With Seville running sub-10 consistently and the likes of Ryiem Forde and Ackeem Blake providing depth, the team now looks far more formidable than it did earlier in the season.

 

While the job isn’t complete until medals are won in Tokyo, qualification is the essential first step. With momentum now on their side, Jamaica’s men’s 4×100 relay team may just be on the brink of reclaiming their place among the sprinting elite. Fans across the island and around the globe will be watching closely, hoping the black, green, and gold will once again fly high atop th

e relay podium.

 

 

 

In a thrilling showdown that sent ripples through the world of track and field, Jamaican sprinter Oblique Seville stunned the sprinting elite by defeating reigning world champion Noah Lyles to win his first-ever Diamond League 100m race. The electrifying moment unfolded at the 2025 London Diamond League meeting, where a star-studded lineup of sprinters took center stage—but it was Seville who stole the spotlight.

 

Seville, 23, crossed the finish line in a blistering 9.86 seconds, holding off a late surge from Lyles, who clocked 9.90. The Jamaican’s victory was not only a personal breakthrough but also a strong statement ahead of the World Athletics Championships. Known for his potential and flashes of brilliance over the past few years, Seville finally delivered on the big stage, confirming his arrival among the world’s sprinting elite.

 

Lyles, who had dominated the early part of the 2025 season with impressive wins in both the 100m and 200m, entered the race as the favorite. The American sprinter has been vocal about his ambition to win the sprint treble—100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay—at the upcoming World Championships. While this loss does little to dent his status, it serves as a timely reminder that the path to gold won’t be uncontested.

 

Seville, for his part, ran a technically sound race. Exploding out of the blocks with a sharp start, he maintained excellent form and drive phase through the middle portion of the race. As Lyles began to close the gap in the final 20 meters, Seville held firm, refusing to yield. His poise under pressure was remarkable, especially given the quality of the competition.

 

“I’ve been working really hard for this moment,” Seville said after the race. “Beating someone like Noah, who’s been at the top for a long time, gives me a lot of confidence. But this is just the beginning.”

 

The Jamaican’s win adds intrigue to what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive sprint seasons in recent history. With Lyles, Seville, Letsile Tebogo, and Ferdinand Omanyala all trading wins on the Diamond League circuit, the men’s 100m is wide open.

 

The London crowd roared with excitement at the upset, as many had expected another dominant display from Lyles. But the defeat might ultimately serve as useful motivation for the American, who has built his career on resilience and adaptation. “Hats off to Seville—he ran a great race,” Lyles said. “This doesn’t change my goals. I’ll take the lessons and keep moving forward.”

 

Seville’s win also carries significant meaning for Jamaica, a nation with a rich sprinting legacy but which has been searching for a new male sprinting icon in the post-Usain Bolt era. With this victory, Seville may have just positioned himself as the heir apparent.

 

As the Diamond League heads into its final stages and the World Championships loom, fans can expect more fireworks. Seville’s triumph over Lyles has reignited old rivalries and sparked new narratives, ensuring that the road to global sprint supremacy remains as exciting—and unpre

dictable—as ever.

 

 

 

The anticipation for the London Diamond League 2025 meeting has been slightly tempered by the withdrawal of several big names, but two stars — Josh Kerr and Noah Lyles — are still set to provide fireworks at the London Stadium, injecting world-class quality and fan appeal into the event.

 

Josh Kerr, the reigning world 1500m champion, returns to home soil riding high on confidence and form.

After stunning Jakob Ingebrigtsen in Budapest last year, Kerr has become one of the sport’s most respected middle-distance runners. His tactical intelligence and fierce finishing kick make him a fan favourite, especially in the UK. With British athletics in search of new heroes, Kerr has become a torchbearer, and his presence in London is vital for both morale and ticket sales.

 

Kerr’s race will serve as a significant stepping stone ahead of the Paris Olympics. He’s expected to go head-to-head with a strong international field that includes fellow Brit Neil Gourley and several top African contenders. For Kerr, however, the stakes go beyond just a win. A dominant performance here will send a message that his World Championship victory was no fluke — and that he’s coming for Olympic gold next month.

 

On the sprinting front, Noah Lyles brings his signature showmanship and elite speed to the British capital. The American, who has already opened his season with a sizzling 19.88 in Monaco, continues to make his case as the fastest man in the world this year. While the London meet won’t see him face off against his chief rival, Letsile Tebogo, due to the Botswanan’s late withdrawal, Lyles’ presence alone is enough to electrify the stadium.

 

More than just his speed, Lyles brings a larger-than-life personality and a commitment to entertaining the crowd. Whether it’s through pre-race antics, post-race interviews, or simply the fluidity of his running, he knows how to engage fans. His London appearance is another step in his carefully managed build-up to the Olympics, where he hopes to become the first man since Usain Bolt to win both the 100m and 200m titles.

 

The absence of athletes like Femke Bol, Marileidy Paulino, and Jakob Ingebrigtsen has raised concerns about the strength of the meet. Yet, Diamond League officials have moved swiftly to promote the stars who remain, and in Kerr and Lyles, they have two elite athletes who not only bring top-tier performance but also genuine global appeal.

 

Beyond the individual brilliance, the London Diamond League still promises thrilling head-to-heads, breakout performances from rising stars, and a passionate crowd that consistently delivers one of the best atmospheres on the circuit. With British athletes like Dina Asher-Smith, Keely Hodgkinson, and Zharnel Hughes also featuring, the event remains a critical test just weeks out from the Paris Games.

 

Ultimately, while the withdrawals have taken a bit of shine off the start list, the presence of Kerr and Lyles ensures the London Diamond League remains a glittering highlight on the 2025 athletics calendar. With Olympic dreams on the line, expect fireworks — both on the track and in the stands.

 

 

 

It is almost 12 months since Noah Lyles reached the pinnacle of his sport by winning Olympic 100m gold at Paris 2024.

It reinforced his position as the world’s fastest man following his golden treble at the World Championships a year earlier, and as one of athletics’ biggest draws.

But, after backing up his bold claims in a year when he also starred in the sport’s Netflix documentary ‘Sprint’, the outspoken American admits he is yet to decide what version of himself will be on show at the London Diamond League on Saturday, and beyond.

“I don’t know, I’m wondering that,” Lyles, who turned 28 on Friday, told BBC Sport.

“I had a really good chance to not only just sit with myself but also think ahead to the future, and how I want to continue presenting myself as the showman and so on.

“I think [the crowd are] going to get maybe a mixed bag right now, as I’m redefining how I want to be seen over the next few years.”

On the track, the goals remain clear.

Three more world gold medals in Tokyo in September, on the path towards achieving three golds on home soil at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Over recent years Lyles has not been afraid to share his grand ambitions, stating that he could target Jamaican great Usain Bolt’s long-standing world records, and teasing a bid for four Olympic golds in Paris.

His hopes of achieving the latter were thwarted by a bout of Covid prior to the 200m final – but he had already secured his crowning moment, by just five-thousandths of a second, in a remarkable 100m final.

“It’s very surreal. There are some days I wake up and I feel like Noah, and there are other days where I’m like ‘I’m the world’s fastest man, I’m the Olympic champion in the 100m – I did that!’,” said Lyles.

“My popularity has grown. Walking outside, I know I’m going to get recognised.

“I’m learning to be comfortable with that, learning to adjust, knowing that people see me in a different light but being OK with that and with who I am.”

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Lyles has long shown awareness of what is required beyond fast times to breakthrough into the mainstream, and maintained interest in the sport’s future direction.

His love of fashion has translated to ‘walk-ins’ before competitions, while, following a leading role in Netflix’s ‘Sprint’, he has also started his own production company.

However, he was a notable omission from Michael Johnson’s inaugural Grand Slam Track league this year, an innovative format that offered lucrative prize money but received criticism for excluding field events.

“I think we’re in a beautiful state for change and growth,” Lyles said on the sport’s standing.

“There are so many great things that we have going for us and people are seeing it now.

“I do believe we’re a little scattered in which direction that is, but I believe that, in a few years, we can come together to an idea of the right direction.”

Image caption, Noah Lyles is seeking a third successive victory at the London Diamond League on Saturday
Lyles, who suffered with severe asthma as a child and has also spoken openly about his mental health struggles, describes becoming ill with Covid at Paris 2024 as “one of the greatest challenges I have ever had”.

The 100m champion still managed to achieve bronze in the 200m, before being escorted from the track in a wheelchair. It has left him with mixed memories of those Games.

Eager to add more titles to his collection, Lyles has endured a frustrating start to a season hindered by injury.

But he produced a statement victory on his return to action in Monaco last week by beating Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo in the 200m.

A sell-out 60,000 crowd at London Stadium is a stage designed for Lyles to thrive upon as he looks to gather momentum towards the World Championships, with Tebogo and Britons Jeremiah Azu, Zharnel Hughes and Louie Hinchliffe among his rivals in a stellar line-up.

“It’s definitely my kind of place. I love a big crowd, especially when they are engaged and they want to see something. Being a showman, I want to give them a show,” Lyles said.

“It’s my first 100m race [of the season] and I always want to win. A fast time never hurts. I’d love to run 9.8 seconds, but winning is the most important thing.”

Allowing himself to consider what he might have achieved by the end of the next Olympic cycle, while also suggesting he is not going to change all that much, he added: “I’ll either have taken over the track world or I will have three gold medals at the Olympics. Either of those sound great.”