Oblique Seville became the first Jamaican man since Usain Bolt to win a global 100m title after delivering the performance of his life at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Sunday (14). The 24-year-old edged out compatriot Kishane Thompson to clinch gold in dramatic fashion.
Thompson, who came into the championships as the season’s fastest man with a blistering 9.75, the quickest time recorded in the past decade, was widely tipped as the favorite. However, when it mattered most, Seville held his nerve and stormed to victory in a personal best of 9.77 seconds (0.3m/s). Thompson settled for silver in 9.82, while defending champion Noah Lyles took bronze in 9.89.
Full Results – Men’s 100m Final:
- Oblique Seville (JAM) – 9.77 PB (0.157)
- Kishane Thompson (JAM) – 9.82 (0.160)
- Noah Lyles (USA) – 9.89 SB (0.192)
- Kenneth Bednarek (USA) – 9.92 (0.211)
- Gift Leotlela (RSA) – 9.95 (0.184)
- Kayinsola Ajayi (NGR) – 10.00 (0.177)
- Akani Simbine (RSA) – 10.04 (0.162)
DQ. Letsile Tebogo (BOT) – False start (TR16.8)
Despite his bronze, Lyles remained as flamboyant as ever, declaring himself “in the best form of my life” before the final. Though his performance did not match his lofty claims, he still celebrated animatedly, with the American now shifting focus to the 200m where he is also a major contender.
The race brought heartbreak for others, particularly Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo, who was disqualified for a false start. Kenny Bednarek, who had clocked 9.85 in the semis, struggled with a poor start in the final and never recovered.
Thompson, meanwhile, had arrived in Tokyo brimming with confidence, echoing Bolt’s relaxed swagger with smiles, fist pumps, and playful exchanges with rivals. Yet it was Seville, the understated figure among the field, who emerged as Jamaica’s new sprint king.
As he crossed the line, Seville tore open his jersey and beat his chest in pure elation, with Usain Bolt himself watching from the stands. Jamaica’s long wait for a men’s 100m champion was finally over, nine years since Bolt last reigned supreme at the Rio Olympics in 2016.
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