The women’s 100m is set to be one of the most electrifying races of the Tokyo Championships. With the season’s best times ranging from the low 10.6s to just above 11 seconds, the field is stacked with veterans, rising stars, and current champions. Every athlete on the list has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but only three can stand on the podium, and only one will wear the crown.
Let’s break down the contenders.
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (USA) comes in as the outright favorite. With a blazing 10.65, she owns the fastest season’s best among all competitors. That mark makes her the clear frontrunner, especially given her consistency at major championships in recent years. Jefferson-Wooden has mastered the balance between her explosive start and smooth transition into top-end speed. If she executes her race cleanly, she could claim gold in Tokyo with daylight between herself and the field.
Tina Clayton (Jamaica) is perhaps the most intriguing challenger. At just 19, she has already stormed to a 10.81, proving that she can hang with the elite women on the biggest stage. While she may not yet have the experience of Jefferson-Wooden or Shericka Jackson, her fearless racing style and rapid progression cannot be overlooked. A place on the podium seems more likely than not, and if nerves don’t get in the way, she could even push for the crown.
Julien Alfred (Saint Lucia) continues to make history for her country. With a 10.75 this season, Alfred sits among the world’s best. Known for her lightning starts, she often puts herself in medal-winning positions by the halfway mark. The question is whether she can maintain form under pressure in the final 40 meters against the seasoned finishers. If she gets her transition phase right, Alfred is a strong podium candidate.
Shericka Jackson (Jamaica), running a 10.88, remains one of the most versatile sprinters in the world. While she is more dominant over 200m and 400m, her raw power and experience mean she can never be counted out. Jackson’s strength is her ability to finish fast, and if the race opens up, she could storm past fading rivals in the closing meters.
Sha’Carri Richardson (USA), with a season’s best of 11.05, enters Tokyo under a cloud of inconsistency. At her best, she is capable of 10.6s and world titles, but her 2025 form has not shown the same fire as her peak years. Richardson will need to rediscover her explosive start to have any chance of podium success.
Veterans like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (10.91) and Marie Josée Ta Lou-Smith (10.87) bring invaluable experience, and while they may not be the outright favorites, their presence guarantees high stakes. Fraser-Pryce, in particular, has a reputation for delivering in championship finals, and it would be foolish to count her out of a medal.
Predicted Podium 👑
Gold: Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (USA) – Too fast, too sharp this season.
Silver: Tina Clayton (Jamaica) – Youthful fire with nothing to lose.
Bronze: Julien Alfred (Saint Lucia) – Explosive start earns her a historic medal.
Tokyo is set to crown a new sprint queen, but with this field, fans should be ready for surprises. Every lane will matter, and one perfect start could rewrite the script.
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