Oblique Seville on Key Factor That Made Him Edge Out Kishane Thompson, Noah Lyles to 100m World Title in Tokyo

Oblique Seville obliterated his countryman Kishane Thompson and America's Noah Lyles to clinch gold in the final of the 100 meter final at the ongoing Tokyo World Championships.

Jamaican sprinter Oblique Seville etched his name into the history books with a breathtaking 9.77-second run to claim gold in the Men’s 100 metres at the World Championships in Tokyo.

 The personal best (PB) performance not only secured his maiden global title but also ended Jamaica’s nine-year wait for gold in the event, last won by the legendary Usain Bolt in 2016.

Speaking after his triumph to TV Jamaica, the 24-year-old Seville reflected on the long road to glory and the crucial factors that fueled his victory over a star-studded field that included fellow Jamaican Kishane Thompson and American sprint king Noah Lyles.

‘In The End, I Came Away With the Gold’

“It was an excellent race, and words can’t truly capture how I feel. I’ve been working on so many things throughout the season, and in the Diamond League you’ve seen my dominance. I was able to bring that here to the World Championships.

“ Everyone makes mistakes in the early rounds — it happens — but in the end, I came away with the gold,” Seville said.

His sharp start was decisive. Launching from the blocks with a 0.157-second reaction time, Seville quickly seized control of the race and maintained his composure under pressure from Thompson, who clocked 9.82 seconds for silver, and Lyles, who secured bronze in 9.89 seconds (SB).

Seville credited his years of international experience for giving him the edge, ever since his Olympic debut as a 19 year old at the same stadium in 2021, before consecutive fourth place finishes at the 2022 and 2023 World Championship finals.

He also pulled his hamstring in the Olympic 100 meter final in Paris last year, but has finally broken that duck, something he says has helped him massively.

“It really comes down to years of experience on the international stage. Right here in Tokyo, at this very stadium, I made my debut. To return here and start what feels like a new chapter in my legacy is something very special,” he reflected.

The gold medal carried extra significance for Seville, who had long targeted the sub-9.8 barrier.

Restoring Jamaican Pride

“It’s an incredible feeling. For years I’ve known I was capable of running in the 9.7 range, and today I finally proved it with a personal best. 

“On top of that, it’s been nine years since Jamaica last won a gold in this event. To break that drought and bring gold back home — especially knowing Usain Bolt was the last to do it — makes the achievement even more meaningful.”

With this victory, Seville has firmly established himself as the heir to Jamaica’s sprinting legacy, carrying the torch from Bolt’s era into a new generation. 

His triumph in Tokyo not only reaffirmed the Caribbean island’s sprinting supremacy but also set the stage for an electrifying Olympic season ahead.