The men’s 100m at the upcoming World Championships promises to be one of the most electrifying events on the schedule, with storylines that have kept fans buzzing all season. The biggest question is simple yet tantalizing: can Oblique Seville or Kishane Thompson finally dethrone Noah Lyles in the blue riband event of athletics?
Noah Lyles enters Tokyo as the reigning king of sprinting. The American star, who has built a reputation for delivering on the grandest stages, has already amassed world titles in the 200m and extended his dominance to the 100m in recent years.
Known for his powerful acceleration, unmatched top-end speed, and fearless racing mentality, Lyles has transformed himself from a 200m specialist into a genuine contender for the sprint double every time he steps on the track. His victory in Budapest in 2023 and the Diamond League consistency that followed have solidified his place as the man to beat. Yet, 2025 feels different—because the Jamaicans are circling.
Oblique Seville has long been seen as the heir to Jamaica’s rich sprinting legacy. After years of promising performances and near misses, the 23-year-old has grown into a more confident, technically refined sprinter.
Q5Seville was a finalist at the last two major championships but has not yet managed to capture a podium spot. That, however, might be about to change. His 2025 season has been defined by blistering times on the circuit, including sub-9.90 efforts that signal he is peaking at just the right moment. With his smooth drive phase and improved finish, Seville is no longer the raw talent chasing the pack—he is one of the men setting the standard.
Then there is Kishane Thompson, the Jamaican powerhouse who has exploded onto the international scene with frightening speed. Thompson’s 2024 breakout run stunned fans, and in 2025 he has continued to slice down his personal bests, making him a legitimate gold medal threat. His start is his greatest weapon—when he leaves the blocks cleanly, few athletes can match his turnover in the first 40 meters. The challenge for Thompson is maintaining composure under the pressure of a championship final. If he can pair a strong start with a relaxed finish, he has all the tools to shock the world.
The clash between Lyles, Seville, and Thompson is not just a battle of times—it is a battle of mental toughness. Lyles thrives under the spotlight, often elevating his performance when the stakes are highest. Seville, though supremely talented, must prove he can handle the weight of Jamaican expectations. Thompson, still new to this level, faces the unknown of executing when everything is on the line.
Beyond the big three, the field cannot be ignored. African sprint star Letsile Tebogo, the rising force from Botswana, has already shown he can challenge the Americans and Jamaicans alike. The ever-consistent Fred Kerley remains a danger, as does Akani Simbine, whose championship experience is invaluable.
Still, the narrative centers on whether Jamaica can finally wrestle back the men’s 100m crown they once owned during Usain Bolt’s era. Seville and Thompson are Jamaica’s brightest hopes, and their rivalry with Lyles sets the stage for one of the most anticipated 100m finals in years.
When the athletes settle into their blocks in Tokyo, history will be waiting. Will Noah Lyles reaffirm his dominance, or will Seville or Thompson rise to seize the throne? The answer will define the legacy of this generation of sprinting.
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