Jamaican sprinter Oblique Seville delivered one of the season’s most electrifying performances with a blistering 9.86-second run at the London leg of the Wanda Diamond League. Racing against a loaded field that featured Olympic champion Noah Lyles, African stars Letsile Tebogo and Akani Simbine, Seville rose to the occasion with a commanding start and a composed finish that left his rivals chasing.
Running into a slight headwind of -0.6 m/s, Seville not only beat Lyles who finished with a modest 10.00 seconds but also showed the world that he’s now a real contender for the global sprint crown. His technical finesse, reaction off the blocks, and ability to maintain top-end speed under pressure all came together perfectly at London’s Olympic Stadium.
Beyond the victory, what made Seville’s feat even more compelling was the reaction it sparked from seasoned athletics observers, most notably 2004 Olympic gold medalist and former world champion Justin Gatlin. On his podcast, Gatlin didn’t hold back, calling Seville “one of the most talented, if not the most talented, 100 metre sprinter ever.”
Gatlin’s assessment wasn’t based solely on the time Seville clocked. He highlighted the Jamaican’s physical frame and mechanics an unusual combination of build and technique that sets him apart. Gatlin noted how Seville’s physique, especially for his sprinting style, is unique in today’s field, making his performances all the more impressive.
Importantly, Gatlin emphasized race strategy as the next frontier for Seville. He advised that managing energy through the rounds at major championships is what separates medal contenders from champions. “You don’t have to burn out early,” Gatlin said, suggesting that smart, conservative running in heats could help Seville peak in the final when it matters most.
With a personal best of 9.82 seconds and a consistent run of form through the 2024 and 2025 seasons even while managing injuries Seville is rapidly positioning himself as a major threat at the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo. If he continues on this trajectory and applies Gatlin’s advice, he may very well find himself atop the podium come finals day.
