TOKYO – Legendary sprinter Usain Bolt has expressed strong confidence in Jamaica’s rising stars, Kishane Thompson and Oblique Seville, to reclaim global dominance in the men’s 100m. Speaking ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Bolt backed the young Jamaican sprinters to defeat defending champion Noah Lyles, marking a potential return to Jamaican supremacy in sprinting.
The sprint legend, widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time, said Thursday that either Thompson or Seville has what it takes to clinch gold, bringing Jamaica its first world title in the event since Bolt himself won in 2015.
“Kishane and Oblique have really shown this season that they’re doing extremely well,” said Bolt. “They should be 1-2 at least because they have proven throughout the season that they are at the top and they’re running fast times. So it’s just all about execution.”
Bolt Backs Jamaicans to End U.S. Streak
The past four world championships have seen a string of American winners in the 100m, including Justin Gatlin, Christian Coleman, Fred Kerley, and most recently, Noah Lyles. However, Bolt believes the tide is about to turn.
“I’m very confident that they [Thompson and Seville] can get it done,” said Bolt. “I’m happy to go to the stadium and see. Hopefully, I’ll be able to present the gold medal to one of them!”
Bolt’s comments come at a time when Jamaican fans are eagerly awaiting the next global sprinting icon to carry the nation’s rich legacy forward. With Thompson clocking a world-leading 9.75 seconds this season, and Seville having already beaten Lyles twice this year, expectations are high for a Jamaican resurgence.
Kishane Thompson, the 2024 Olympic silver medalist in Paris, has established himself as one of the fastest men on the planet in 2025. His blistering 9.75-second run earlier this season has put him firmly in contention for the title.
Meanwhile, Oblique Seville, who finished fourth in the last World Championships, has also shown exceptional form. His ability to consistently challenge and beat top competition, including Lyles, gives Jamaica a formidable 1-2 punch heading into Tokyo.
“It’s just about one of them executing, and it should be fine,” Bolt said. “Just don’t listen to the noise.”
Noah Lyles, known for his charismatic and outspoken personality, has not shied away from commenting on his competitors, including Jamaican hopefuls. When asked about Lyles’ trash talk, Bolt brushed it off, drawing comparisons to former rival Justin Gatlin.
“I don’t think Noah is as crazy as Justin,” Bolt joked. “It’s like Gatlin over the years: we pushed back and forth.”
He added that during his own career, he never paid attention to the verbal jabs.
“As you know, I never listen to anyone. I know when I’m prepared and ready, you can say whatever you want – you’re not going to beat me. Always focused and ready.”
Despite the excitement surrounding the current crop of sprinters, Bolt remains confident that his 100m world record of 9.58 seconds, set in 2009 in Berlin, is not under threat anytime soon.
“No, I’m not worried,” he said. “There will be athletes coming up, and they will do well, but at this present moment I don’t see anything that they can do to break a world record.”
He acknowledged that progress in athletics is inevitable, but breaking his record would require something truly special.
“Everything evolves in life. People try to get better, try to go faster, so it’s something that you expect. It’s not going to be a surprise if it happens. We just have to wait and see.”
Reflecting on his incredible achievements, Bolt admitted that while he’s retired, the dream of passing the torch continues—this time within his own family.
“I’ve always hoped that maybe one of my kids, my boys, will do track and field,” he said with a smile. “I don’t know. They’re not showing any talent yet. Hopefully, they’ll get better—we’ll see!”
As the Tokyo World Championships approach, one thing is clear: Bolt backs Jamaicans to deliver a long-awaited gold in the 100m. With both Thompson and Seville in top form and the legendary sprinter’s faith behind them, Jamaica stands on the edge of a thrilling comeback.
Source- EWN
