Kishane Thompson is heading to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo brimming with confidence and form, sparking excitement that Usain Bolt’s long-standing 100m world record could finally be under threat.
The 22-year-old Jamaican, who has emerged as the season’s standout male sprinter, has openly stated that he believes the record could fall in the coming days. While such claims might sound bold, Thompson has already backed up his words with performances on the track.
At the Jamaican Championships, he stormed to victory in 9.75 seconds, the fastest 100m recorded in a decade and the sixth-fastest time ever. Analysts believe that with a smoother execution in Tokyo, he could shave off even more, fueling hopes of a historic moment.
Rivalries Taking Shape
Thompson enters the championships with momentum on his side. Earlier this season, he defeated reigning Olympic champion Noah Lyles in Silesia, reversing last summer’s razor-thin Olympic final result where Lyles edged him for gold. While Lyles has had a lighter racing schedule in 2025 and described his runner-up finish as “a great stepping stone,” he remains a fierce contender. The American, known for his showmanship and hunger for double sprint glory, will be eager to reclaim his dominance.
Thompson’s Jamaican teammate, Oblique Seville, is another strong medal prospect. With back-to-back Diamond League wins in London and Lausanne, posting 9.86 and 9.87 respectively, Seville carries a season’s best of 9.83 into Tokyo.
Meanwhile, Kenny Bednarek, traditionally a 200m specialist, has shaken up the sprinting scene with a blistering 9.79 this season, the second-fastest time of 2025. Bednarek’s rivalry with Lyles has already provided fireworks at the US Championships, and Tokyo could witness another showdown.
Global Contenders
South Africa’s Akani Simbine, a perennial finalist, is still chasing his first major medal after seven consecutive top-five finishes at global championships. With 11 straight sub-10 second seasons, surpassing even Bolt’s consistency, Simbine is determined to finally step onto the podium.
The United States brings depth beyond Lyles and Bednarek. Courtney Lindsay (9.82) and T’Mars McCallum (9.83) add further firepower, ensuring the Americans will be heavily represented in the final.
Britain’s Zharnel Hughes, who claimed bronze at the last World Championships, also enters the conversation, as do Jamaica’s Ackeem Blake and Ghana’s rising star Abdul-Rasheed Saminu. South America looks to Brazil’s Erik Cardoso (9.93) and Colombia’s Ronal Long (9.96), while Puerto Rico’s Eloy Benitez, who showed promise indoors before injury, remains a potential dark horse.
Can Thompson Deliver?
Thompson’s biggest question mark may be his ability to handle the pressure on the sport’s grandest stage. A slight shin injury raised concerns recently, but the Jamaican insists he is ready to rise to the occasion.
“I’m never going to surprise myself because I know how capable I am,” Thompson said after winning his trials as quoted by World Athletics News.
“Even if I broke the world record, it wouldn’t surprise me because I am that confident, and I’m working to achieve all my goals and the accolades.”
With 27 men already under 10 seconds this season, the Tokyo 100m final promises to be one of the most competitive in history. But the spotlight will inevitably shine brightest on Thompson. The world now waits to see whether his confidence will translate into a performance worthy of rewriting history.
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