TOKYO, Japan – Jamaica’s sprinting tradition roared to life at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, as the island’s athletes produced a golden night inside the National Stadium.
A dazzling one-two finish in the men’s 100 meters and a stunning silver in the women’s final had Jamaican flags flying proudly and supporters in raptures.
Seville stuns, Thompson secures silver
In the men’s final, Oblique Seville etched his name in history with the performance of his career, dethroning the reigning champion and upsetting the pre-race favorite. Seville stormed across the line in 9.77 seconds, edging out compatriot Kishane Thompson, the Olympic silver medalist, who finished close behind in 9.82 seconds.
The result marked Jamaica’s first World Championships men’s 100m gold since the legend Usain Bolt in 2015, and the country’s first one-two finish in this particular event.
For former champion Noah Lyles, the night ended with bronze in 9.89 seconds, while his American teammate Kenneth Bednarek placed fourth in 9.92 seconds.
Clayton’s breakthrough moment
If Seville’s victory set the stadium alight, Tina Clayton’s breakthrough run confirmed that Jamaica’s sprinting pipeline remains unrivaled. The two-time World Under-20 champion rose to the occasion, running a personal best 10.76 seconds to claim silver in the women’s final.
But the evening belonged to the United States’ Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, who powered to victory in a Championship Record 10.61 seconds, stamping her authority as the world’s fastest woman.
Olympic champion Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia battled for bronze in 10.84 seconds, while Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson settled for fourth in 10.88 seconds. Closing her legendary individual career, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce finished sixth in 11.03 seconds, receiving a standing ovation from fans and rivals alike.
Medal table momentum
With one gold and two silver medals secured, Jamaica has opened its medal tally in emphatic style, signaling its intent to once again dominate the sprinting stage.
The men’s sweep rekindled memories of Jamaica’s golden past, while Clayton’s rise hinted at a powerful future. For the fans inside the National Stadium, it was an unforgettable night of speed, pride, and history.
