
The 2025 Racers Grand Prix is poised to be a thrilling spectacle, and this year’s lineup boasts some of the most electrifying talents in sprinting. Headlining the men’s 100m is an anticipated clash between Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson and Oblique Seville, alongside rising South African star Bayanda Walaza. Adding further star power, Shericka Jackson returns to the track, bringing her elite credentials to the women’s sprints. As fans gear up for this marquee event, here’s what to expect from the sprint showdowns.
Kishane Thompson: The Silent Threat
Kishane Thompson is the name on every Jamaican sprint fan’s lips. With blistering speed and a technique honed under the guidance of some of Jamaica’s top coaches, Thompson has quietly emerged as one of the country’s fastest men. Clocking a legal 9.91s in 2023 and continuing to show strong form through the 2024 season, he enters the Grand Prix as a serious contender for the win. Thompson’s calm demeanor belies his explosive starts and powerful mid-race surge. If he gets his phases right, he could very well cross the line first and send a loud message ahead of the Paris Olympics.
Oblique Seville: Consistency and Championship Pedigree
Oblique Seville, meanwhile, is no stranger to high-level competition. A World Championship finalist and one of Jamaica’s most consistent performers on the international stage, Seville brings experience, poise, and speed. Known for his ability to stay relaxed under pressure and execute when it matters most, Seville has been working to sharpen his finish — often the difference-maker in major finals. While he’s yet to dip below the 9.80s barrier, his times consistently hover around the 9.85–9.95 range. At his best, Seville is a threat to anyone, anywhere.
Representing South Africa, Bayanda Walaza is the wildcard in this sprint duel. Though still a relatively new face on the senior international circuit, Walaza has shown he belongs with the best. His recent personal best of 10.00 flat raised eyebrows, and his rapid improvement suggests there’s more in the tank. Walaza may not carry the same weight of expectation as Seville or Thompson, but that could work in his favor. With nothing to lose and everything to prove, he could spring a surprise and shake up the Jamaican dominance.
Shericka Jackson: Queen of the Sprints
On the women’s side, Shericka Jackson is the undoubted star attraction. The reigning 200m world champion and one of the fastest women of all time, Jackson returns to the Racers Grand Prix with crowd support firmly behind her. After a record-breaking 2023 and a solid 2024 campaign, fans are eager to see her form heading into the final stretch before Paris. Whether she contests the 100m or 200m, Jackson’s presence guarantees fireworks. Her combination of power, speed endurance, and competitive fire makes her nearly unbeatable when in full flow.
The Racers Grand Prix has a reputation for delivering drama, fast times, and breakout performances — and 2025 is no exception. With a high-stakes showdown between Thompson, Seville, and Walaza on the men’s side, and Shericka Jackson ready to remind the world of her dominance, the stage is set for an unforgettable night in Kingston. Whether it’s a glimpse of Olympic glory to come or a new name breaking through, this Grand Prix promises to be a must-watch event for every track and field fan.
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