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Kishane Thompson (L) is more reserved than Noah Lyles (R)

Jamaican sprint sensation Kishane Thompson has made a name for himself on the track especially over the last one year, but off it, he prefers a quieter approach to fame.

Unlike his American rival Noah Lyles, who thrives in the spotlight, Thompson embraces his introverted nature while navigating the pressures of elite competition.

Speaking to Omilla Sports following his blistering 9.88 winning run in the 100 meters at the 2025 Racers Grand Prix, Thompson acknowledged that being in the public eye comes with certain expectations.

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“I’m not really a people person,” he admits, emphasising that while he doesn’t shy away from interactions, he prefers to keep a low profile.

“Honestly, I can’t really move around freely. Most of the time, if I’m going somewhere public, I just have to move quickly and keep it stepping. I’m usually in my glasses or wearing a hat. But it is what it is—it comes with the territory.”

On a separate interview with the general media after the same race, Thompson was however quick to accept and understand the importance of media engagement.

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“It’s part of the job, so I have to know how to handle the media,” he explains. He prides himself on being articulate, ensuring that his interviews are well-structured and thoughtful.

“I think I’m a very articulate person, so that helps me put interviews together. When people ask me questions, I think I’m kind of well-spoken in interviews. But that’s just who I am.”

A Contrast in Styles

‘I’m Not Really a People Person’ – Why Kishane Thompson Prefers Not to Be as Outgoing as American Rival Noah Lyles

Noah Lyles and Kishane Thompson after the 100m finals at the Paris Olympics. Noah Lyles (L) is an outspoken athlete, while Kishane Thompson is more introverted.

Thompson’s approach contrasts sharply with Lyles, who thrives on the energy of the crowd and embraces his role as a showman.

Lyles has openly discussed his love for entertaining fans, making bold statements, and celebrating victories with flair. Thompson, on the other hand, prefers to let his performances speak for themselves, focusing on his craft rather than the spectacle surrounding it.

For Thompson, maintaining a balance between his personal space and professional obligations is crucial.

As Thompson continues to make strides in his career, his quiet confidence and dedication to his craft will remain his defining traits. While he may not command the same level of attention as Lyles, his performances ensure that his name is always in the conversation.

Jamaica’s sprinting future gleamed a little brighter over the weekend as Kishane Thompson blazed to a remarkable 9.88 seconds in the men’s 100 meters at the JAAA All Comers Meet in Kingston. The performance not only marked a personal best for the rising star but also served as a powerful statement ahead of the Jamaican National Championships and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Thompson’s 9.88 was run under legal wind conditions (+1.0 m/s), solidifying it as a legitimate world-class time. It catapulted him into the global spotlight and placed him among the top sprinters for the 2025 season so far. The performance is now one of the fastest ever recorded on Jamaican soil and puts him squarely in the conversation for international medals.

A former student-athlete at Kingston College, Thompson has been steadily rising through the ranks of Jamaican sprinting. Known for his smooth stride and explosive finish, he has long been considered one of the island’s most promising talents. Still, injuries and the depth of Jamaican sprinting have kept him somewhat in the shadows—until now.

What made Thompson’s run in Kingston even more impressive was how controlled it appeared. He executed a near-perfect start, stayed composed through the acceleration phase, and maintained excellent form through the finish. The crowd at the National Stadium responded with thunderous applause, recognizing the significance of the moment. Jamaica has seen many great sprinters, but when someone dips below the 9.90 barrier, it always demands attention.

Kishane’s performance could not come at a better time. With the Olympic Games looming and the national trials approaching, athletes are beginning to round into peak form. The Jamaican men’s sprint scene has been searching for a new face to lead the charge following the retirement of legends like Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake’s decline from his peak. In recent years, the spotlight has shifted more toward the women’s side, with names like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah, and Shericka Jackson dominating headlines. Thompson’s 9.88 could signal a resurgence on the men’s side.

Beyond the impressive time, Thompson’s run also demonstrates that Jamaica’s sprint factory continues to churn out elite talent. Under the guidance of coach Glen Mills—who famously coached Usain Bolt—Thompson has been carefully developed, and it now appears that plan is coming to fruition. Mills is known for not rushing athletes, and Thompson’s emergence now could be the result of years of patient training and injury management.

Thompson will now be under increased scrutiny as the championship season intensifies. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if he can replicate or improve upon this performance under pressure. Consistency will be key, as one fast time is impressive, but sustaining that level across multiple rounds and events is what separates medalists from hopefuls.

Still, on a balmy evening in Kingston, Kishane Thompson made his mark. A 9.88-second sprint not only won him a race—it may have signaled the arrival of Jamaica’s next big star. And in a country where sprinting is part of the national identity, that is no small feat

Olympic legend Usain Bolt had no doubt when asked if Cristiano Ronaldo would be able to beat him in a race.

Having won an impressive eight Olympic gold medals and set three long-standing world records, Bolt is widely considered to be one of the greatest athletes ever and undoubtedly the best sprinter of all time.

Like Bolt, Ronaldo is viewed by many to be the best of all time in his sport, having scored nearly 950 goals in a storied career that has seen him win five Ballon d’Ors, five Champions Leagues and domestic titles across Europe.

When asked on his opinions on Ronaldo, Bolt confessed that he was a massive fan of the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star, and revealed how he thinks the striker would perform if they were to race each other.

Cristiano Ronaldo still plays for Portugal and played a key role in their 2024/25 Nations League campaign.

Despite retiring in 2017, Bolt has remained active in the world of sports and regularly takes the time to speak to the meida and reflect on his career and the current stars of sprinting.

And when speaking to Spanish news outlet Marca Sport Weekend he admitted that he believes that Ronaldo could comfortably beat him if they were to race each other now.

“For sure Cristiano Ronaldo,” the Jamaican legend said in 2020.

“For me, he works out every day. He’s a super athlete, you know what I mean?

“He’s always on top of his game. He works hard, he’s focused.

“So right now, I definitely think he’s faster than me.”

Usain Bolt set his 100m world record in Berlin in 2009.

While Bolt enjoys the benefits of retiring after such a successful career in sport, Ronaldo remains active at the age of 40, playing for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr while captaining his national team.

And it is precisely this reason that Bolt thinks that the striker would outpace him if they were to compete in a short distance foot race in the modern day.

Of course, if Ronaldo were to face off against Bolt when the Jamaican was in his prime, it wouldn’t even be a competition, with Bolt still holding on to the 100m record with a time of 9.58 seconds.