Indomitable Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Stuns Julien Alfred, Sha'Carri Richardson to Clinch 100m World Championship Crown

American sprint sensation Melissa Jefferson-Wooden delivered a performance for the ages in the Women’s 100 metres final, storming to victory in 10.61 seconds to claim gold and set a new Championship Record (CR) in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday. 

Her commanding run not only underlined her dominance on the global stage but also signaled her readiness to lead U.S. sprinting into the next Olympic cycle in 2028

Jefferson-Wooden exploded out of the blocks with a sharp 0.173-second reaction time, quickly establishing a lead that she never relinquished. By the halfway mark, she was already clear of her rivals, powering through with a blend of flawless technique and sheer speed that left the stadium in awe.

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The silver medal went to Jamaica’s Tina Clayton, who ran the race of her life. Clocking a personal best (PB) of 10.76 seconds, Clayton displayed composure and raw talent that confirmed her rise as Jamaica’s next great sprint star. 

Though she could not match Jefferson-Wooden’s electric finish, Clayton’s performance was a breakthrough moment, with her 0.203-second reaction time reflecting a near-perfect execution under pressure.

The bronze was secured by Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred, who continued her string of consistent global podium finishes. Alfred ran 10.84 seconds, supported by the fastest reaction time in the field (0.169 seconds). 

Her effort not only brought pride to Saint Lucia but also added another chapter to her growing reputation as one of the Caribbean’s brightest track talents.

Behind the medalists, the depth of the final showcased the global strength of women’s sprinting. Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson crossed in fourth with 10.88 seconds, equalling her season’s best. 

American crowd favorite Sha’Carri Richardson placed fifth in 10.94 seconds (SB), showing signs of resurgence but unable to replicate her top form when it mattered most. 

Sprint icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce finished sixth in 11.03, while Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith (11.04) and Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith (11.08) rounded out the field.

More to follow...