TOKYO, Japan – Jamaica’s sprint trio of Tina Clayton, Shericka Jackson, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce all secured their places in the women’s 100-meter final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, advancing with ease despite flashes of drama in Sunday morning’s semi-finals.
The final showdown is scheduled for 9:13 a.m. EST, with the Jamaicans well-positioned to challenge for the medals.
Clayton impressive in fastest semi-final
National champion Tina Clayton delivered a sparkling 10.90 seconds in the third semi-final, finishing second behind a flying Melissa Jefferson-Wooden of the United States, who clocked an electric 10.73 seconds, the fastest time of all qualifiers by a clear margin.
Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith crossed in 11.02 seconds for third, which just edged her into the final as the eighth and last qualifier on time.
Richardson incident adds early drama
The opening semi-final produced unexpected tension before the race even began. As the field settled into the blocks, defending champion Sha’Carri Richardson appeared to lift her head at the “set” command, sparking Daryll Neita of Great Britain and several others into premature movement.
To the surprise of athletes and spectators alike, officials chose not to issue a disqualification, instead handing a general warning to the entire field.
Once underway, Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith of the Ivory Coast took the victory in 10.94 seconds, narrowly ahead of a comfortable Shericka Jackson in 10.97 seconds. Richardson managed third in 11.00 seconds, enough to claim the first of the two non-automatic qualifying places.
Fraser-Pryce earns her place in style
In the second semi-final, Olympic champion Julien Alfred of St Lucia powered home first in 10.93 seconds, while Jamaican sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce claimed the runner-up spot in 11.00 seconds.
For Fraser-Pryce, it marked another milestone—her qualification for yet another global championship final, where she will chase glory once more on the sport’s grandest stage.
All eyes on the final
With all three Jamaicans safely through, anticipation now builds for the final later in the day. Jefferson-Wooden’s blistering 10.73 has set the standard, but Julien’s top-class consistency, Clayton’s sharp form, Jackson’s proven big-stage prowess, and Fraser-Pryce’s unmatched championship pedigree guarantee fireworks when the medals are on the line.
