Fresh off a blistering 9.75-second win at the Jamaican National Trials, the fastest time recorded in over a decade, Kishane Thompson has positioned himself as the man to watch heading into this year’s Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.
As the start list thickens with world champions and Diamond League medalists, anticipation is building for what promises to be one of the most electrifying men’s 100m fields in recent memory.
Among them is Christian Coleman, a proven starter and multiple-time winner at the Prefontaine Classic, but even his stronghold is now under serious threat from Thompson’s explosive form.
A New Challenger Rises
Thompson’s performance in Kingston was flawless. His start, drive phase, and upright running posture looked seasoned beyond his years. In the aftermath, his words spoke volumes.
“Anything is possible,” he told reporters at the Diamond League press conference, hinting at a possible assault on the meet record without making brash predictions.
“But I won’t jinx it for the bad, nor the good. I just gotta come out there, execute, do my best, you know, enjoy myself.”
The quiet confidence belies a competitive fire that’s been steadily building since his breakout Olympic appearance in Paris, where he nearly upset the field before Noah Lyles edged him at the line.
That silver medal left Thompson with unfinished business, and Eugene presents the perfect platform for a statement. With the World Championships in Tokyo looming, this race is a chance for Thompson to plant his flag as the fastest man in the world, not just by time, but by dominance.
Coleman’s Streak Under Siege
For years, Christian Coleman has owned the Prefontaine Classic. His victories in 2019, 2023, and 2024, including memorable duels with the likes of Noah Lyles and Ferdinand Omanyala, have cemented his reputation as a force at Hayward Field.
But 2025 finds the American sprinter navigating an uneven campaign, including a third-place finish at the Tom Jones Invitational and no 100m wins so far this season.
Meanwhile, Thompson arrives undefeated, with not only the world lead but also the psychological edge. The Prefontaine Classic has traditionally reaffirmed Coleman’s elite status, but this year, the narrative has shifted.
The question is no longer whether Coleman can defend his title, but whether his dominance has already begun to slip.
A Star-Studded Field, A Singular Focus
The depth of the men’s 100m lineup is undeniable. Trayvon Bromell, Ackeem Blake, and South Africa’s Bayanda Walaza have all shown flashes of brilliance this season.
But it’s Thompson who carries the aura of inevitability, a man in form, in control, and in command of his own destiny.
If his performance in Kingston was a warning shot, Eugene could be the full declaration. Thompson isn’t just chasing times or medals. He’s chasing history, and at this Prefontaine Classic, anything truly seems possible.