The men’s 100 metres has entered a golden era of competition, with Noah Lyles, Kishane Thompson, and Oblique Seville battling for supremacy. Each has proven capable of producing world-leading times, titles, and performances that keep fans debating who truly deserves the title of the fastest man alive.
Oblique Seville stunned the athletics world with his gold medal-winning 9.77-second run at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. At just 24, he has grown into the complete sprinter: explosive from the blocks, fluid in transition, and powerful in the final metres. His Tokyo triumph placed him among the all-time top 10 performers and restored Jamaican dominance in the 100m. With his ability to overcome adversity and deliver under pressure, Seville has emerged as a serious contender for the title of the world’s fastest man.
Kishane Thompson, also 24, owns the fastest time of the year at 9.75 seconds, making him the quickest sprinter on paper. Known for his efficiency, flawless technique, and unmatched maintenance phase, Thompson has been remarkably consistent with sub-9.80 performances. However, championship glory has narrowly eluded him, as he finished with silver at both the Olympics and World Championships. If he can replicate his Kingston-level form on the biggest stages, Thompson not only has the tools to win gold but could also push closer to Usain Bolt’s legendary 9.58 world record.
Meanwhile, Olympic champion Noah Lyles continues to prove himself as one of the most dangerous competitors in sprinting. Though his personal best of 9.79 is slightly slower than Seville and Thompson’s marks, his championship pedigree sets him apart. Lyles thrives under pressure, with a proven ability to deliver when it matters most. His trademark closing speed has carried him to multiple titles, and his Tokyo bronze (9.89) after an injury-plagued season showed his resilience. Beyond the 100m, his dominance in the 200m keeps him a constant threat to anyone on the track.
So, who is really the fastest? Seville is the reigning world champion and current man to beat, Thompson has the year’s quickest time and unrivalled consistency, while Lyles holds the Olympic crown and the ability to rise on the biggest stage. With all three still in their mid-20s, the rivalry promises even faster times and epic clashes ahead perhaps even a race that edges closer to Bolt’s untouchable mark
