World Athletics Championships in Tokyo delivered a night of stunning upsets as Team USA’s sprint sensations, Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson, fell short of expectations on the global stage. Both athletes, who carried the weight of Olympic glory into the event, faced fierce competition and left with results that shocked fans and experts alike.
Oblique Seville ends Jamaica’s title drought
In the men’s 100m final, Jamaica’s Oblique Seville stole the spotlight by clocking a blistering personal best of 9.77 seconds, securing his first world title. His compatriot Kishane Thompson followed closely with silver at 9.82s, while defending champion Lyles had to settle for bronze, finishing in 9.89s.
Seville’s triumph was historic—it marked Jamaica’s first world sprint crown since Usain Bolt’s memorable 100m and 200m double at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing. Bolt himself, present in the stands, had predicted a Jamaican 1-2 finish, backing Seville and Thompson against the reigning Olympic champion Noah Lyles. His prediction rang true as he erupted in celebration when the duo crossed the line.
The Jamaican contingent filled the stadium with cheers, with Bob Marley’s “Buffalo Soldier” echoing as Seville celebrated by tearing down the top of his sprint suit. The victory silenced doubts about his ability to perform on the biggest stage, especially given his prior struggles in finals against Lyles.
Sha’Carri Richardson falls short in Women’s 100m
In the women’s 100m, American hopes rested on Sha’Carri Richardson, but it was her teammate Melissa Jefferson-Wooden who stole the show. The 24-year-old stormed to victory in 10.61s, setting a new championship record and registering the joint third-fastest time in history.
Jamaica’s rising star Tina Clayton clinched silver with 10.76s, while Olympic champion Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia earned bronze in 10.84s. Richardson, who entered the event as the reigning world champion, managed a season-best 10.94s, but it was only good enough for fifth place. Her two-year-old championship record was broken, leaving her disappointed in a stacked final.
Meanwhile, Jamaican legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, in her last individual world championship appearance at age 38, finished sixth, bowing out gracefully in front of adoring fans.
A night of surprises beyond the sprints
The night wasn’t just about sprinting drama. In the men’s 10,000m, France’s Jimmy Gressier delivered one of the biggest shocks of the championship. Outpacing a strong Ethiopian lineup, Gressier stormed to gold in 28:55.77, narrowly edging out Yomif Kejelcha, who took silver, with Sweden’s Andreas Almgren finishing third.
Heartbreak for Team USA
For Team USA, the evening symbolized heartbreak. Noah Lyles, the reigning champion and Olympic hero, had to settle for bronze in his signature event. Sha’Carri Richardson, despite her season-best performance, failed to reach the podium. Both athletes remain among the sport’s brightest stars, but the World Championships reminded the world that dominance on the track is never guaranteed.