Oblique Seville stormed to Jamaica’s first men’s 100m world title in a decade, defeating Kishane Thompson and defending champion Noah Lyles to strike gold in Tokyo on Sunday.
Clocking a personal best of 9.77 seconds, Seville held off Thompson, who finished second in 9.82, while Lyles settled for bronze in 9.89. The victory marked Jamaica’s first world sprint crown since Usain Bolt’s iconic double at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, with the legend watching proudly from the stands.
“It’s an excellent feeling,” Seville said. “The last time a Jamaican got the title was in 2015, and that was Usain Bolt. I feel really amazing and excited that the gold is coming home. I’ve proved I’m a true competitor with the determination of a champion.”
Seville credited his improved finishing kick for the triumph, noting that perfecting his last 30–40 metres made the difference.
Bolt, who had confidently predicted a Jamaican 1-2, erupted in celebration as Seville and Thompson crossed the line. The packed stadium joined in the jubilation, with Bob Marley’s “Buffalo Soldier” echoing as Seville tore open his sprint suit in celebration.
The race was not without drama—Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo was disqualified for a false start, leaving seven sprinters to contest the final. Thompson blasted out of the blocks fastest, but Seville’s late surge sealed a historic win and signalled the rise of a new Jamaican sprint era.
