The World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo delivered a thrilling night as new champions emerged and historic records were shattered. Jamaica’s Oblique Seville and America’s Melissa Jefferson-Wooden stormed to their maiden 100m titles, cementing their names among sprinting’s elite.
Oblique Seville Creates History in Men’s 100m
At just 21 years old, Seville stunned the packed Japan National Stadium with a blistering 9.77-second personal best. The victory secured him gold, with fellow Jamaican Kishane Thompson close behind at 9.82 seconds. America’s Noah Lyles, the reigning champion, claimed bronze after clocking a season’s best of 9.89 seconds.
Seville became the third Jamaican sprinter to claim this world title. His victory also marked him as the youngest men’s 100m world champion. Reflecting on his success, he expressed gratitude to his competitors. “It was a good run because these two actually pushed me to run a personal best,” Seville said.
For him, winning gold in Tokyo carried extra significance. “To come out here and run 9.77 is something amazing, and in Japan is where I made my debut,” he added.
Jefferson-Wooden Dominates Women’s 100m
In the women’s event, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden entered as the season’s top sprinter and ended the night as world champion. She powered through the final with a championship record of 10.70 seconds, rounding off an unbeaten season.
Jamaica’s Tina Clayton claimed silver with a personal best of 10.76, while Olympic champion Julien Alfred secured bronze in 10.84.
Jefferson-Wooden, just 24, was overwhelmed after her flawless execution. “This year has been nothing short of a dream. To put on the perfect race at the perfect time, I’m just so happy and grateful,” she shared.
Clayton, in contrast, admitted she had not aimed for a medal in her debut senior championships. “The goal was to execute. Silver was not in my thoughts, but God did so, and I’m grateful,” she said.
American Athletes Shine in Field Events
The United States also celebrated major wins in the field. Olympic champions Tara Davis-Woodhall and Valarie Allman claimed their first world titles in the long jump and discus throw, respectively. Their victories extended the USA’s dominance in women’s track and field.
European Breakthrough in Men’s 10,000m
The men’s 10,000m final produced a surprise. France’s Jimmy Gressier sprinted past Ethiopia’s Yomif Keljecha in the final meters to secure gold. Sweden’s Andreas Almgren completed the podium with bronze. The result marked a rare double podium for European athletes in an event long dominated by East Africans.
Ingebrigtsen’s Shock Exit
Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen, a world silver medalist, suffered an early exit in the men’s 1500m heats due to injury. The setback did not dampen his determination. In a social media post, the 24-year-old promised a return. “Giving up isn’t in my nature. I will be back,” he wrote.
His fans now look forward to the 5,000m event, scheduled on his 25th birthday, where he hopes to secure a third world title.
More Highlights from Tokyo
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Uruguay celebrated their first medal of the championships through Julia Paternain, who claimed bronze.
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The women’s 100m semi-finals saw drama when reigning champion Sha’Carri Richardson false-started, ending her campaign.
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Sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, however, secured a place in the final after finishing second in her heat.
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In the women’s 1500m semi-finals, Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon led with 4:00.34, followed closely by Dorcus Ewoi. Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu fell early but recovered impressively to qualify with 4:01.03.
A Championship of New Beginnings
The World Athletics Championships 2025 highlighted the rise of new stars while showcasing resilience and determination across events. With record-breaking performances and surprise outcomes, Tokyo delivered one of the most memorable championship nights in recent years.
For Seville and Jefferson-Wooden, their victories signal a new era in sprinting, while global fans eagerly anticipate what lies ahead in this remarkable season.
