Bolt eyes Jamaican glory in men’s 100m
Sprint legend hopes to see one of three Jamaicans claiming the gold medal in Tokyo
Published:Friday | September 12, 2025 | 12:12 AMGregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
TOKYO, Japan:
Sprint legend and 11-time World Athletics Championships gold medallist Usain Bolt is hopeful that one of Jamaica’s three entrants in the men’s 100 metres will claim the world title at the Japan National Stadium come Sunday.
In an interview with The Gleaner yesterday at the Puma Brand Center in Minato City, Tokyo, the sprint icon highlighted world leader Kishane Thompson, Oblique Seville, and Akeem Blake as title contenders at the World Championships and proof of the resurgence of men’s sprinting in Jamaica.
The last time Jamaica claimed the 100m world title was in 2015 when Bolt crossed the line first in a time of 9.79 seconds.
“I’m happy. As you said, it’s been a while since just the girls have been carrying it, so I’m happy to see this,” Bolt said. “I don’t feel like they should lose. [If] anyone of them win then I’ll be happy for it.”
Thompson, with a season’s best of 9.75, and Seville’s season’s best of 9.83 will see both men entering the championships ranked within the world’s top five, first and fifth, respectively. Blake, 9.88, sits just outside the top 10, ranked 11th globally.
Bolt confirmed that he would be supporting all three athletes in their quest for glory and is confident that they will put on a strong performance.
STRONG CHALLENGE
The Jamaicans will face a strong challenge, however, particularly from Team USA.
Defending champion Noah Lyles will be looking to defend his crown while Kenny Bednarek, Courtney Lindsey, and T’Mars McCallum will all be looking to spoil the party.
He said he would also like to present the gold medal should any of the three lay claim to the title.
“I’m just looking forward to being in the stadium and be able to cheer them on and maybe even get to present a gold medal to one of them,” he said.
“That’s something that I’d really love, so I just wish them all the best, and I know they will do well.”
The World Championships will begin today (Jamaica time) and close on September 21 after nine days of competition at the Japan National Stadium.
Speaking ahead of the competition’s start, Bolt offered a word of encouragement to Jamaican athletes who are set to compete.
“They should just know that Jamaica is one of the best in the world. Just believe in yourselves, go out there, remember your training, and push through. Just go out there and do your best.
He added, “Your best is always good enough.”