Oblique Seville's 9.77 Ends U.S. Run and Signals New Era for Jamaican Sprinting

Oblique Seville sprinted to a personal-best 9.77 seconds to win the world men’s 100 metres in Tokyo, ending a run of four straight world titles for the United States and producing a Jamaican one-two as Kishane Thompson claimed silver.

Seville celebrated by ripping his vest and publicly acknowledging the emotional support of Usain Bolt, who was in the stadium. Seville said he had sought guidance from Bolt’s former coach, Glen Mills, and that both Mills and Bolt told him he would become world champion. "I have proved, in front of him, that I am a champion and I am very proud of that," Seville said. "Now, more gold medals."

Seville, 24, converted long-anticipated potential into a global title after a period of setbacks and scrutiny. Two years earlier he had missed the world podium by four thousandths of a second in a photo finish. At the Paris 2024 Olympics he finished last in the final in 9.91, a result that prompted some doubts about his ability to win a major championship despite fast circuit performances.

"After his huge disappointment in Paris, when there was a lot of expectation on Seville, to produce the goods here was pretty important — especially in front of Usain Bolt," two-time world 110m hurdles champion Colin Jackson said. "He's come back and returned, rising from the ashes, the Jamaican phoenix."

Seville said the victory was a testament to mastering the mental side of the sport. He silenced critics on the track as well, holding a finger to his lips after cruising to victory in his semi-final and then delivering in the final. He credited family as motivation and said Bolt remains an influence; Seville added that Bolt has been a personal motivator since his father died.

The one-two for Jamaica signalled a potential shift in sprint fortunes for the Caribbean island. Kishane Thompson, who entered the championships as one of the season’s fastest men, could not catch Seville but secured silver as Jamaica took the top two positions in the blue-ribbon event.

The championships in Tokyo also featured other signs of a changing of the guard in Jamaican sprinting. Teenager Tina Clayton, 21, won silver in the women’s 100m earlier in the programme at an event coinciding with the planned farewell of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, one of Jamaica’s most decorated sprinters. Meanwhile, the United States celebrated Melissa Jefferson-Wooden’s breakthrough title in the women’s event, maintaining a strong presence across sprint disciplines.

Commentators reflected on the wider significance of Seville’s victory. Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford said Jamaican sprinters inherit heightened national expectations because of the legacy of Bolt. "Every time they step on the track, they have to deal with the pressure of a nation that absolutely love their sprints," Rutherford said. Steve Cram added: "Oblique Seville has finally come of age, finally he has proven his talent and finally he has found a way to win. All the nerves, doubts and talking — banished in 9.7 seconds."

Seville’s win closes a chapter of U.S. dominance in the world men’s 100m and offers Jamaica a clear candidate to carry forward its sprinting tradition. Coaches, former champions and national fans will now watch to see whether the personal-best performance in Tokyo presages a longer period of sustained Jamaican success at global championships.