TOKYO, Japan – The stage is set for a thrilling men’s 100-meter final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, with Jamaica, the United States, and South Africa each advancing two athletes to the showdown.
They will be joined by sprinters from Nigeria and Botswana when the final blasts off at 9:20 a.m. EST Sunday inside Japan’s National Stadium.
Lyles opens with authority
Defending champion Noah Lyles made an emphatic statement in the first semi-final, storming to victory in 9.92 seconds. Just a step behind was Nigeria’s Kayinsola Ajayi, clocking 9.93 seconds, while South Africa’s seasoned campaigner Akani Simbine secured third in 9.96 seconds to advance as a non-automatic qualifier.
Jamaica’s Ackeem Blake, however, struggled to find rhythm, finishing a distant fifth in 10.12 seconds, ending his championship run.
Thompson and Bednarek in lockstep
The second semi-final delivered one of the most striking images of the evening as Kenneth Bednarek of the U.S. and Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson powered down the straight in perfect unison. The pair exchanged glances as they surged toward the finish line as both crossed in 9.85 seconds. Bednarek was awarded the win by the narrowest of margins.
Seville settles nerves with polished win
After giving his supporters a scare in Saturday’s heats, Jamaica’s Oblique Seville looked calm and commanding in the third semi-final. A sharper start allowed him to control the race, gliding to victory in 9.86 seconds. Behind him, Botswana’s rising star Letsile Tebogo posted 9.94 seconds for second, while South Africa’s Gift Leotlela clinched the final qualifying spot in 9.97—after he recorded 9.87 seconds in the heats.
Pre-race tension with De Grasse
There was a moment of tension before Seville’s race as Canada’s Andre De Grasse twitched on the line, triggering Leotlela into a false start. Officials ruled the incident unworthy of disqualification but handed De Grasse a yellow card warning, which he now carries for the rest of the Championships.
With Lyles defending his crown, Thompson and Seville carrying Jamaica’s hopes, Bednarek hunting glory, and South Africa boasting two determined finalists, the race promises to be a clash of speed, nerves, and national pride. Add in Tebogo’s fearless youth and Ajayi’s form, and the men’s 100m final is shaping into one of the highlights of the Championships.
