Jamaica’s Seville wins world 100 metre gold as Nigeria’s Ajayi finishes 6th
Oblique Seville of Jamaica has won the men’s 100 metres gold at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Seville on Sunday clocked a personal best of 9.77 seconds to claim his first global title.
Kishane Thompson, also of Jamaica, placed second in 9.82 seconds to complete a Jamaican 1–2 finish.
Defending champion Noah Lyles of the United States settled for bronze in a season-best 9.89 seconds.
The result ended a 10-year American hold on the title since Usain Bolt’s last win in 2015.
Nigeria’s Kanyinsola Ajayi placed sixth in the final with a time of 10.01 seconds.
The 21-year-old became the first Nigerian man in 18 years to reach a World Championships 100m final.
His qualification ended the drought since Olusoji Fasuba’s appearance in 2007.
Ajayi had consistently run under 10 seconds in the rounds, marking a breakthrough in his career.
The final had its share of drama as Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo was disqualified for a false start.
Seville, 23, overcame a shaky start in the heats to dominate the semi-finals and final.
He reacted quickest in the final and led from start to finish.
Thompson came into the race with a world-leading time of 9.75 seconds but could not match Seville’s pace.
Seville’s winning time ranks joint-10th on the all-time list.
“It’s an excellent feeling,” Seville said after the race.
“The last time a Jamaican won world gold was Usain Bolt in 2015, so I’m happy to continue that legacy,” he added.
He said he struggled with injury at the last Olympics but felt mentally prepared this time.
“People said I was panicking in the heats, but I knew I had the mental strength,” he said.
Lyles, also known for his dominance in the 200m, admitted the season had been difficult.
“It’s been a crazy season with injury and recovery,” he said. “But this was my best race of the year.”
His teammate Kenny Bednarek, ranked second globally before the event, finished fourth in 9.92 seconds.
Bednarek had tied with Thompson in the semi-final event but could not replicate the form in the final.
Tebogo, a rising star and Olympic 200m champion, was disqualified for a false start, ending his medal hopes.
Seville’s win signals a return to form for Jamaica in men’s sprinting after the Bolt era.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Tinubu advised me never to negotiate with criminals, Gov Ododo says
“I don’t play with criminals, and I don’t negotiate with them. I can tell you that, as far as Kogi State is concerned, we don’t have a department for ransom payment,” he said.
Heading 1
U.S. has spent $37.5 billion on Iran war: Hegseth
“The estimate we have as of today is $37.5 billion,” Mr Hegseth said.
Lagos
Slain Lagos NURTW organising secretary buried amid tears
Mr Ajiboye died days after he was attacked by gunmen.
Africa
144 refugees, migrants dead, missing off Mauritania coast: UNHCR
“The refugees and migrants were reported dead or missing after attempting the perilous sea journey from West Africa towards Europe,” the agency said.
World
U.S. govt condemns Ortega’s ban on elections in Nicaragua
Mr Rubio urged the international community to rise against Mr Ortega’s dictatorship.
World
Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s top general after firing defence minister
Mr Syrskyi’s dismissal came days after Mr Zelensky fired Ukraine’s defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision that sparked protests across the country.
