The 2025 World Athletics Championships delivered another electrifying night of sprinting as Jamaica’s Oblique Seville and the USA’s Melissa Jefferson-Wooden emerged as the undisputed kings and queens of the 100 metres. Both athletes produced scintillating performances on the track, reinforcing their status as two of the brightest stars in global athletics.
For Jamaica, Seville’s victory was a long-awaited moment of redemption and a continuation of the island’s incredible sprinting legacy. The 23-year-old, who had come agonisingly close to a medal in previous editions, finally stood at the top of the podium.
His blistering time of 9.84 seconds not only secured him gold but also cemented his position as the natural heir to Usain Bolt’s throne. The Jamaican crowd in Tokyo roared with pride as Seville crossed the finish line ahead of Kishane Thompson, who ensured a historic Jamaican 1-2 finish by clocking 9.88 seconds for silver. American sprinter Fred Kerley claimed bronze in 9.90 seconds, completing a world-class podium.
Seville’s run was a masterclass in execution — explosive out of the blocks, smooth through the transition phase, and ice-cool under pressure as the race reached its climax. Speaking after the race, he credited his team and his relentless preparation for the victory, describing it as “the moment I’ve been dreaming about since I first stepped on the track.” His win keeps Jamaica firmly at the centre of sprinting conversations, proving that the island remains a sprint powerhouse even in the post-Bolt era.
On the women’s side, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden delivered a performance worthy of a champion, storming to victory in 10.61 seconds — a championship record. The 23-year-old American sprinter was in superb form throughout the rounds and brought her A-game when it mattered most. Jamaica’s Tina Clayton claimed silver in 10.76 seconds, while Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred took bronze in 10.84 seconds, making it one of the most competitive women’s 100m finals in recent memory.
For Jefferson-Wooden, the win marked a major milestone in what has been a remarkable rise to prominence. Just a few seasons ago, she was still finding her footing on the international stage, but her steady improvement and unwavering belief in her ability have now paid off spectacularly. She becomes only the second American woman in the last decade to win world 100m gold, following in the footsteps of Sha’Carri Richardson.
The dual triumph of Seville and Jefferson-Wooden underscored the global nature of sprinting excellence, with Jamaica and the USA once again trading blows in the sport’s most prestigious event. Their victories set the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating championship week, with fans eagerly anticipating the 200m and relay events still to come.
In the end, the night belonged to two athletes who had carried the weight of expectation and delivered under the brightest of lights. Oblique Seville and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden are now not just winners but standard-bearers for the next generation of sprinting stars.
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