‘I Never Had a True Season Before’ - Why Kishane Thompson is Not too Disappointed By 100m World Championship Silver Medal

Jamaican sprint sensation Kishane Thompson says he has every reason to be grateful after clinching silver in the men’s 100m at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, admitting that the biggest victory for him this year was completing a full, injury-free season for the first time in his career.

The 24-year-old, who burst onto the global scene in 2024 with a series of blistering times early in the year, narrowly missed out on Olympic  gold in a dramatic final that saw him finish behind American Noah Lyles. 

In 2025, he had to settle for another major championship silver medal in the 100 meters, losing to Oblique Seville this time, which has now left him generating a reputation as a “choker”.

But for Thompson, the medal was more than just validation — it was the culmination of a long journey of growth, resilience, and patience.

Speaking after the race, Thompson reflected on how meaningful the year has been for him personally.

“I’m really grateful,” he said on CITIUS MAG. “It’s been a really long season — a true season. I never had a true season before, so I’m satisfied.”

Unlike previous years when injuries repeatedly disrupted his progress, Thompson managed to stay healthy throughout the 2025 campaign — something he described as a “phenomenal feeling.”

“It’s not just different — it’s amazing to know I went through the entire season with no major injury,” he said. “There were little things here and there, but nothing serious. That’s a big win for me.”

Even though Thompson admitted his execution in the World Championship final was not perfect, he expressed no regrets.

“The execution wasn’t the best, but it wasn’t the worst either,” he noted. “There are always things to tweak, but I’m just happy I finished injury-free and got a medal. Right now, I’m just enjoying myself.”

Thompson, who trains under renowned coach Stephen Francis, said his growth this season has been all about gaining “battle experience.”

“When I first came onto the circuit, I wasn’t seasoned,” he said with a laugh. “In Jamaica, we season our meat before putting it in the frying pan. For me, I just came on the circuit and went straight into the frying pan. I had to learn fast.”

Now, he feels much more at ease competing on the global stage. “It’s becoming second nature for me. I’ve learned how to handle big races, the pressure, and the expectations.”

Representing Jamaica — the spiritual home of sprinting — is something Thompson holds dearly.

“It’s a phenomenal feeling to represent the sprint nation,” he said proudly. “We’re known far and wide as the fastest people alive. To wear the black, green, and gold and know the world is watching — it’s special.”

For Thompson, the silver medal marks not disappointment but promise. With his first “true season” under his belt, the young Jamaican has proven that the next generation of sprinters is ready to carry the island’s sprinting legacy forward — one disciplined stride at a time.