Track and field fans will not have to wait long for the most anticipated clash at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan. The men’s 100 metres final is set for Sunday’s second day at 8:20 a.m. Jamaica time.
For some, it’s a Jamaica versus United States clash. The two sprint giants at both the World Championships and the Olympic Games. At the World Championships, the USA leads the 100 metres medals with 29 (12 gold, 11 silver, six bronze). Jamaica are next with 10 (four gold, two silver, four bronze).
This time the title of ‘Fastest Man on Earth’ is on the line and Jamaica’s charge will be led by world leader Kishane Thompson with 9.75 seconds. He is backed by Oblique Seville, 9.83, and Ackeem Blake, 9.88. The USA will counter with Kenneth Bednarek, 9.79, Courtney Lindsay, 9.82, T’Mars McCallum, 9.83, and defending champion Noah Lyles, 9.90. Fireworks are guaranteed.
Thompson was denied gold at the Olympics last year by Lyles. Both clocked 9.79. Since then, Thompson has been flawless. His start is sharper and his mid-race power unmatched. A sub-9.70 could be on the cards.
Bednarek, the US champion, must find top form. He was no match for Thompson in the Silesia Diamond League, where he ran 9.96 to finish third. Thompson took that one in 9.87.
Lyles has been playing catch-up all season. He has already lost to Thompson and Seville. Seville left him stranded on two occasions. In London, Seville ran 9.86 to Lyles’ 10.00. In Lausanne, it was 9.87 to 10.02. He is the defending champion and will be eager to make it back-to-back titles, but standing in his way are two Jamaicans.
That’s why all signs point to a Jamaica one-two. Seville has been smooth, controlled, and ruthless. His only loss came at the National Championships to Thompson. Since then, he has been flawless. Out of the blocks, he looks sharper than ever and unlike Thompson, he seems to have more left in the tank.
Two years ago in Budapest, Seville was fourth. Now he is primed for gold. Victory would also give coach Glen Mills his sixth world 100m crown. His past champions include Kim Collins of St Kitts, Usain Bolt thrice, and Yohan Blake.
Thompson, however, is chasing history for coach Stephen Francis. The closest Francis has come in event was Michael Frater’s silver in Helsinki in 2005.
The stage is set. Thompson’s raw power against Seville’s silky smooth execution. Seville is the pick for gold.
1. Oblique Seville (Jamaica)
2. Kishane Thompson (Jamaica)
3. Noah Lyles (USA)
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