The men’s 100m final at the Tokyo World Championships is set to deliver fireworks, and reigning champion Noah Lyles has made his intentions clear. After cruising through his heat with remarkable ease, Lyles is brimming with confidence as he prepares to face fierce competition from Kishane Thompson, Oblique Seville, Gift Leotlela, and Kanyinsola Ajayi.
Lyles clocked 9.95 seconds in his opening heat, running with a smooth stride pattern and relaxed finish that suggested he had plenty in reserve. His performance mirrored that of Thompson, who matched the time in Heat 2 with equal composure. Earlier, South Africa’s Gift Leotlela lit up the session with a blistering personal best of 9.87, while Nigeria’s Kanyinsola Ajayi followed closely with a lifetime best of 9.88. Jamaica’s Seville, despite a shaky start, managed 9.93 to keep himself firmly in contention.
Speaking after his race, Lyles described his run as “real easy,” noting that it was exactly the kind of execution he wanted at this stage. He emphasized the importance of opening strides and building into acceleration, rating his start as the best of his season so far. Confident but analytical, he graded the effort a “B+” while promising more improvements as the rounds progress.
The build-up to the final has not been without its challenges. Athletes have voiced concerns about the warm-up track being located approximately 15 kilometers from the main stadium, forcing competitors to shuttle between facilities. While the arrangement has been disruptive for some, Lyles took it in stride, recalling similar experiences during his early career. His approach was to lean on preparation, ensuring his drills and routines were completed at just the right time before stepping onto the track.
For Lyles, the key lies in rhythm, clarity, and trust in his preparation. He remarked on feeling sharper with each round, even noting the calmness and focus he experienced in his last run. That growing confidence will be crucial as he lines up against rivals who are running some of the fastest times of their careers.
With Leotlela and Ajayi pushing personal limits, Thompson looking relaxed, and Seville ready to strike, the men’s 100m final in Tokyo promises to be one of the most explosive showdowns in recent memory. For Lyles, the mission is clear: defend his crown by executing with precision when it matters most
