Amanze Chinonye
Jamaican sprint star Oblique Seville delivered the race of his life on Sunday night, storming to a stunning 9.77 seconds victory in the men’s 100 metres final at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships. The 23-year-old clocked a personal best (+0.3) to claim the coveted gold medal and write a new chapter in Jamaica’s sprinting history.
Seville’s triumph makes him the first Jamaican to win the men’s 100m world title since Usain Bolt in 2015, a breakthrough long awaited by fans who have watched him narrowly miss podium finishes in recent years. This time, he executed a flawless drive and surged ahead in the final 20 metres, finally fulfilling the promise that has surrounded his career.
His teammate Kishane Thompson added to the Caribbean nation’s celebrations by storming home in 9.82 seconds for silver, sealing a Jamaican 1–2 finish that recalled the golden years of Bolt and Yohan Blake. Pre-race favourite Noah Lyles of the United States, chasing a sprint double, had to settle for bronze in 9.89 seconds, while Botswana’s rising star Letsile Tebogo was dramatically disqualified for a false start.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelFor Jamaica, this is more than a medal sweep – it is a statement of renewed dominance. Athletics president Garth Gayle hailed the result as proof that the island’s grassroots sprint system “remains the envy of the world,” with Seville now carrying the torch once held by Bolt. The victory signals a new golden generation and strengthens Jamaica’s momentum heading toward the 2028 Olympics.
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Nigeria also found reason to celebrate. Kanyinsola Ajayi, 21, capped a breakthrough championship by finishing sixth in 10.00 seconds, becoming the first Nigerian man since 2007 to reach a World Championships 100m final. Ajayi’s performance is being hailed back home as a turning point for Nigerian sprinting. Officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) described his run as evidence that renewed investment in youth programmes is paying off.
“Ajayi’s qualification and strong finish show that Nigeria can once again compete with the best if we sustain the right support,” a senior AFN official told Peoples Gazette. Team coaches called his rapid improvement “a positive signal that world-class times are within reach,” adding that his sub-10 second consistency will inspire young athletes nationwide.
Analysts say the result highlights the need for steady funding, modern training facilities, and more international exposure, but it also provides a vital morale boost ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Olympics.
Seville’s triumph reaffirms Jamaica’s status as the global sprint capital and signals the arrival of a new hero to carry the nation’s legacy forward. For Nigeria, Ajayi’s breakthrough proves that with proper support, the country can once again produce world-class sprinters and attract the sponsorships and public interest needed to rebuild its men’s sprinting programme.
On a night of history in Tokyo, Jamaica celebrated the return of its sprint supremacy, while Nigeria caught a glimpse of a promising future two nations at different stages of their sprinting journeys, but both finding fresh hope on the same track.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
