Noah Lyles and Kishane Thompson, who were divided by five thousand seconds in last year’s Olympic 100 meters, were even closer on Saturday, albeit in independent heating, both threw 9.95 seconds in the first round of the World Championship.
Lyles nicknamed it on a line in Paris, and after the late start of the season due to ankle injury, he is in the form at the right time when he tries to keep his world title.
The American was sharp from the blocks and needed races in his feet, he went hard for the line while Thompson soon relaxed.
“Today I had a great start, but I had even better in practice,” said Lyles, who almost always has to play catching up in big races.
“It’s great to be back in Tokyo. It’s much better than the last time,” said Lyles, who took bronze over 200 meters in the Covid-Ded 2020 games, which took place without fans. “At that time it was a little echo, and this time there is all the atmosphere, whistles and children.
“This is the best form I’ve ever been in my life. I bring special things here. Running 9.95 in the first round is exactly what I wanted to warm up my body.”
Thompson’s 9.75 seconds this season was the fastest 100 at anyone for 10 years and desperately tries to get Jamaica back to the highest step for the first time since the latest Usain Bolt titles in 2015.
Compaatriot oblique Seville, the fifth fastest in the world this season, had absolute shocking when he was left dead in blocks and had to work desperately to get the third automatic qualification slot in 9.93.
His heat won the South African gift Leotel in the huge personal best of 9.87, while Nigerian Kayinsola Ajayi also published PB 9.88 to go second.
American Kenny Bednarek, the second in the world ranking this season with 9.79, probably took the honor for the first time when he began sailing from about halfway and after somewhat stressful preparation after leaving his favorite spikes at home.
“I’m just a wicker dude. I’m a type of athlete who always leaves something on the track or forgets something at home,” he said. “Friends and family helped me.”
Letsile Tebogo, Botswan’s Olympic 200m champions and 100 silver medalists in the world 100 m ago two years ago, also captivated access to win its heat at 10.07, with the 200m Olympic Olympic winner Andre de Grasse.
The Italian Lamont Marcell Jacobs, which was injured since its 100m shock at the same stadium three years ago, dug the best season out of 10.20 to scrape the third in his heat.
The semifinals and the finals will be held in Sunday evening session.
– ends
Published:
Debodinna Chakracorty
Published on:
September 13, 2025
