Melissa Jefferson-Wooden & Oblique Seville Claim 100-Meter Crowns at World Athletics Championships

By: Emerald Green | Photo Credit: Oblique Seville at the 2024 Summer Olympics, 3 August 2024. © Aeltegop — Own work. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons) | Photo Credit: Melissa Jefferson (USA), 5 May 2024.© Erik van Leeuwen — Erki Pictures / Zenfolio. Licensed under GFDL (via Wikimedia Commons).

The 100-meter dash has long stood as the marquee event of global track and field — the race that crowns the fastest man and woman on earth. At this year’s World Athletics Championships, history was made on both sides of the competition. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden delivered a record-breaking performance that cements her as one of the greatest sprinters of her generation, while Oblique Seville finally claimed the global title that had eluded him, restoring Jamaica’s dominance in the men’s 100m. Their victories were more than wins; they signaled a generational shift in sprinting, as new stars step forward to define the future of the sport.

Jefferson-Wooden Dominates Women’s 100m

Jefferson-Wooden, age 24, crossed the finish line in 10.61 seconds, setting a new championship record and recording the fourth-fastest time in history for the women’s 100m. She won by a margin of .15 seconds over Jamaica’s Tina Clayton (10.76), with Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia taking bronze in 10.84. Sha’Carri Richardson, the defending world champion (2023), after narrowly making the final, placed fifth with a season-best time of 10.94. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, a sprinting legend who is retiring this year, finished sixth. Jefferson-Wooden’s performance caps off a year in which she went undefeated in the 100m, lowered her personal best multiple times, and entered these championships among the top times globally.

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Seville Breaks Through in Men’s 100m

Oblique Seville posted a personal best of 9.77 seconds to win gold. Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson followed with silver (9.82), and American Noah Lyles, the reigning Olympic and world champion, took bronze. This victory is Seville’s first global title in a 100m final at either the World Championships or Olympics. He has previously finished just off the podium in major events. The win also returns the men’s 100m world gold to Jamaica for the first time since Usain Bolt’s final global title in 2015. Bolt was present at the stadium and, as many reports note, visibly excited as Seville crossed the line.

Implications & Reaction

Jefferson-Wooden’s surge, coming after her Olympic bronze in 2024, and Seville’s long-awaited breakthrough are seen as emblematic of a changing of the guard in sprinting. Younger athletes are stepping into the spotlight while some veteran stars are on the way out. For Jefferson-Wooden, the win confirms her status not only as America’s top sprinter in the 100m this season, but also as a global contender. For Seville, the title validates years of promise and progress, especially under Glen Mills, who coached Usain Bolt.

Athlete Profiles

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (USA)

Born in South Carolina, Jefferson-Wooden rose from collegiate track at Coastal Carolina University to the global stage in a meteoric rise. Known for her explosive starts and steady acceleration, she has become one of America’s brightest sprinting stars. Her 2024 Olympic bronze marked her as a contender, and her undefeated 2025 season solidified her place among the all-time greats. 

“Melissa is rewriting the story of American sprinting,” said her coach, noting her relentless discipline. “She’s proving that hard work and focus can redefine limits.”

Oblique Seville (Jamaica)

Seville, hailing from Jamaica’s sprinting powerhouse program, has long been touted as the “next great” after Bolt. Trained under Glen Mills, Seville endured years of near-misses at major championships, including several fourth-place finishes. His perseverance, discipline, and consistent improvement finally paid off with his world title in 2025, restoring Jamaica’s men’s sprint supremacy.

“This is a dream realized,” Seville said after his victory. “I’ve carried the weight of expectations for years, and tonight I finally delivered for my country.”
Even Usain Bolt joined in the praise, telling reporters, “Jamaica is back. Oblique has shown he has the heart of a champion.”

Rivalries on the Road to Los Angeles 2028

These championships also set the stage for rivalries that will define the next Olympic cycle. Jefferson-Wooden’s battles with Tina Clayton and Julien Alfred promise to keep women’s sprinting electrifying, with Sha’Carri Richardson still a dangerous presence whenever she lines up. On the men’s side, Seville’s clash with Noah Lyles — who remains a formidable competitor — and his Jamaican teammate Kishane Thompson could fuel some of the most compelling storylines leading into Los Angeles 2028. The prospect of an all-Jamaican showdown in the men’s 100m final is already generating buzz among track fans worldwide.

Key Statistics

Conclusion

In Tokyo, both Jefferson-Wooden and Seville didn’t just win — they made statements. Their victories in the 100 meters at this world championship will likely reshape expectations for sprinting in the coming years, especially with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon. Veteran athletes have shown their greatness, but a new generation has clearly arrived.

Beyond the times and medals, these triumphs carry cultural weight. Jefferson-Wooden’s dominance adds to the legacy of American women sprinters who have redefined the event, inspiring young athletes across the globe to believe that excellence is within their reach. Seville’s breakthrough brings a renewed sense of pride to Jamaica, a nation whose sprinting legacy has long been a symbol of resilience and global influence. Together, their performances remind us that track and field is not only about speed — it is about history, identity, and the power of sport to shape collective imagination.

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