The upcoming 2025 Tokyo World Championships in the men’s 100-meter is shaping up to be one of the most electrifying races in the history of track and field. With fierce competition between Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson, his countryman Oblique Seville, and the reigning world champion, Noah Lyles, all eyes will be on the track as these athletes battle for the coveted title of the World’s Fastest Man.
In this article, we dive into the fierce rivalries and what makes each of these athletes a contender for the title at the Tokyo World Championships.
The 2025 Tokyo World Championships in the men’s 100-meter promises an electrifying showdown between Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson, Oblique Seville, and the reigning world champion, Noah Lyles. Thompson, who earned silver at the Paris Olympics in a photo finish, aims for redemption, while Seville is riding high with personal bests and an impressive Diamond League debut. Lyles, with a late-season start, remains the biggest mystery, having won both the 100-meter and 200-meter World Championships before. The rivalry between Jamaica and the United States, rooted in history with Usain Bolt’s dominance, continues as Thompson and Seville look to secure Jamaica’s place at the top, while Lyles defends his title. With both countries having fierce competitors, this race is set to be a thrilling legacy-making moment in track and field.
A Look Back At The 100-Meter Rivalry
Over the years, legendary sprinters like Carl Lewis, Linford Christie, Donovan Bailey, Maurice Greene, Justin Gatlin, Usain Bolt, and Noah Lyles have defined the 100-meter race. These athletes have earned their place in history by winning both the World Championships and the Olympics.
Usain Bolt, often regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time, set the world record of 9.58 seconds at the 2009 Berlin World Championships. He also clinched the 100-meter Olympic gold three times and the World Championship gold three times.
Bolt’s domination sparked a rivalry between Jamaica and the United States. American sprinters like Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlin were among Bolt’s toughest challengers. However, Bolt was only beaten once in a championship setting, when Justin Gatlin won gold at the 2017 London World Championships, and Bolt had to settle for silver.
After years of seeing Jamaica missing out on major championship podiums, Kishane Thompson emerged in 2024, earning a silver medal in the 100-meter at the Paris Olympics in a thrilling dead heat. This was a remarkable feat, as Thompson finished tied with Noah Lyles, both clocking a time of 9.79 seconds.
Kishane Thompson: Redemption At The Tokyo World Championships?
After his narrow miss at the Paris Olympics, Kishane Thompson is on a mission to redeem himself. Thompson’s aim is clear: to claim the gold medal at the 2025 Tokyo World Championships and put Jamaica back on top of the 100-meter podium.
This season, Thompson has clocked an impressive 9.75 seconds at the Jamaica National Championship, equaling Yohan Blake’s stadium record. This time is the fastest record in a decade, since Justin Gatlin’s 9.74 seconds at the 2015 Doha Diamond League. With such consistency, Thompson is considered the favorite for the gold in Tokyo.
Oblique Seville: The Dark Horse
Another Jamaican sprinter, Oblique Seville, has been showing impressive form this season. Seville, who has face challenges in past major championships, is determine to make it to the podium at the Tokyo World Championships.
At the Jamaica National Championship, Seville ran the world’s second-fastest time of the season, 9.83 seconds, finishing in second place behind Thompson. He also stunned the athletics world with his performance at the London Athletics Meet, clocking 9.86 seconds to beat a field that included Olympic champion Noah Lyles and World Championship bronze medalist Zharnel Hughes.
Seville’s recent successes suggest that he is ready to overcome his previous setbacks and make a serious challenge for the title.
Noah Lyles: The Mystery Man
Noah Lyles, the reigning world champion in both the 100-meter and 200-meter, remains a mystery this season. Lyles has had a somewhat slow start to the season, running 19.88 seconds to win the 200-meter at the Monaco Diamond League and 10.00 seconds to place second at the London Athletics Meet in the 100-meter.
As the defending world champion, Lyles has earned a wildcard entry for the Tokyo World Championships. This means he doesn’t need to compete at the US National Championships to qualify, though he still opted to compete in the 200-meter at the US Nationals for additional race experience.
Lyles has kept a low profile this season, but as the reigning champion, he remains a formidable force in the 100-meter.
Jamaica vs. the United States: A Thrilling Showdown
The men’s 100-meter race at the 2025 Tokyo World Championships is set for another classic showdown between Jamaica and the United States. With both countries fielding incredibly talented sprinters, the stage is set for an unforgettable race.
Key Points to Watch For:
- Kishane Thompson is aiming to convert his Olympic silver into World Championship gold after a stellar performance in 2024.
- Oblique Seville is showing immense potential, with personal bests and an impressive victory over top athletes in recent competitions.
- Noah Lyles, as the reigning world champion, remains a major threat, despite a quiet start to the season.
Conclusion
As the 2025 Tokyo World Championships approach, the men’s 100-meter race promises to a spectacle that will remember for years to come. With Kishane Thompson and Oblique Seville determined to put Jamaica back on top, and Noah Lyles aiming to defend his title, the competition will be fierce. Regardless of who crosses the finish line first, this race is more than just about speed—it’s about legacy.
So, who do you think will crowne the World’s Fastest Man at the Tokyo World Championships? Will Kishane Thompson finally secure that gold medal, or will Noah Lyles successfully defend his title? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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