Jamaica’s medal tally grew on Friday evening at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, as the Caribbean nation secured two bronze medals in the sprints at the iconic National Stadium.
The first came courtesy of Bryan Levell, who produced the race of his life in the men’s 200 meters. Clocking a dazzling personal best of 19.64 seconds, the 21-year-old edged past Botswana’s defending champion Letsile Tebogo to snatch third place.
The gold medal went to American star Noah Lyles, who triumphed in 19.52 seconds, followed closely by compatriot Kenny Bednarek with 19.58 seconds. For Levell, competing in his first senior global championship, the podium finish marked the beginning of what promises to be a bright international career.
Jackson yields the crown
Moments later, Jamaica’s sprint queen Shericka Jackson, the two-time defending champion in the women’s 200 meters, was forced to settle for bronze. Jackson crossed the line in 22.18 seconds, as American Melissa Jefferson-Wooden stormed to victory with a world-leading 21.68 seconds, becoming the first American woman to complete the World Championships sprint double.
In one of the evening’s biggest surprises, Great Britain’s Amy Hunt surged to silver in 22.14 seconds, edging Jackson in the final meters.
Drama before the start
The race carried an added twist even before the gun. Anthonique Strachan of the Bahamas, running from lane one with her left leg heavily strapped, was disqualified for a false start. Strachan had advanced as one of the fastest non-automatic qualifiers on Thursday, but left the track in visible pain, her hopes of a medal dashed before the race even began.
Jamaica’s medal count climbs
With Levell’s and Jackson’s podium finishes, Jamaica’s overall tally now stands at eight medals: one gold, four silver, and three bronze. The haul underscores the island’s enduring reputation as a global sprint powerhouse, even as new names like Levell emerge alongside seasoned champions.
