The men’s 100m heats at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo delivered fireworks, with big names advancing and fresh contenders stepping into the spotlight. American sprint sensation Noah Lyles looked sharp, storming to a 9.95 finish in his heat to comfortably secure a place in the semifinals.
Returning to top competition after a tendon injury earlier this year, Lyles carried his trademark confidence on and off the track. He declared himself in peak form, saying that his opening race was the perfect way to warm up his body for the battles ahead.
But the opening round wasn’t just about Lyles’ control — it also brought drama from Jamaica’s Oblique Seville, who was forced into a desperate recovery after a slow start. Seville, one of the pre-race medal favorites, reacted late to the gun and nearly missed out. Still, his determination showed as he clawed his way back to third in 9.93, grabbing the last automatic qualifying spot.
South Africa’s Gift Leotlela was the star of the heats, exploding out of the blocks with a lightning reaction and clocking a sizzling 9.87 — the fastest time of the day. Nigeria’s Kayinsola Ajayi wasn’t far behind, producing a personal best of 9.88 to underline his growing threat at the global level. Their performances sent a strong warning to the established stars that the new wave of sprinters has arrived.
Meanwhile, Britain’s Romell Glave ran 10.00, narrowly missing an automatic spot but keeping himself in contention as a time qualifier. The heats made one thing clear: this year’s 100m crown will not be handed over easily.
The semifinal lineup promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Lyles is set to clash with Ackeem Blake, Marcell Jacobs, and Akani Simbine in Heat 1 a battle stacked with proven championship performers. Heat 2 brings together Ferdinand Omanyala, Zharnel Hughes, and Kenny Bednarek in another explosive matchup. The third heat is equally mouth-watering, as Seville faces Letsile Tebogo, Andre de Grasse, and the in-form Leotlela.
With such depth and firepower, the stage is set for breathtaking times and fierce rivalries. If the opening round was just the appetizer, the semifinals promise to deliver a true sprinting feast in Tokyo.
