Oblique Seville has expressed his growing confidence after defeating reigning Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles twice this season, sending a powerful statement ahead of the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo this September.
The Jamaican sprinter, 24, stormed to victory in the men’s 100m at the Diamond League Meeting in Lausanne, clocking 9.87 seconds despite poor weather conditions. Lyles and Ackeem Blake followed in a tight photo finish, both recording 10.02 seconds. The triumph was Seville’s second consecutive win over the American, having also edged him out at the Diamond League Meeting in London, where he posted 9.86 seconds.
For Seville, beating Lyles is not just about the win it’s about belief. He acknowledged that overcoming the three-time world champion in successive encounters has given him the conviction that he can go all the way in Tokyo. “Running 9.87 in those conditions shows I can go much faster, anywhere in the world. That’s a good time. I’ve beaten the Olympic Champion twice, in London and here, and that gives me a lot of confidence heading into the championships,” he explained.
Seville has also set his sights on restoring Jamaica’s dominance in the men’s 100m a crown that has not been claimed by a Jamaican since the legendary Usain Bolt. The last four world titles have been shared between Justin Gatlin (2017), Christian Coleman (2019), Fred Kerley (2022), and Noah Lyles (2023). Seville believes he has what it takes to bring that glory back. “It’s been a while since a Jamaican man has won the 100m at a global championship, and of course, I believe I can be the one to do it. My coach inspires me a lot; even the small tips he gives make a big difference,” he noted.
At the Jamaican Championships earlier this year, Seville finished second behind Kishane Thompson, but his recent form suggests he is peaking at the right moment. With back-to-back victories over Lyles, his confidence is soaring, and he is determined to make his mark on the global stage.
As the athletics world turns its attention to Tokyo, the stage is set for a fierce showdown between Oblique Seville and Noah Lyles a battle that could define the next chapter of sprinting history.
