At the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, the 100m race is expected to be a highly anticipated showdown between reigning champion Noah Lyles and Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson. Lyles, who holds both the World and Olympic titles in the event, is the favorite to defend his crown. However, Thompson, who narrowly lost to Lyles in the Tokyo Olympics, is poised to challenge for the title, with many experts predicting an intense rivalry between the two.
Thompson’s near-miss in the Olympic final, where he clocked the same time as Lyles 9.7 seconds was a heartbreaking defeat. Despite the loss, Thompson has shown tremendous potential, having posted the fastest 100m time of the year. His close race with Lyles in Tokyo left him with a strong desire for redemption, and many believe he will be ready to take on the challenge at the World Championships in 2025.
The experts are divided on who will come out on top in Tokyo. A panel from Athletics Weekly has predicted a tight race, with two members backing Lyles for the gold and two others supporting Thompson for the win. The predictions reflect the competitive nature of the 100m event, with Thompson’s supporters confident that he can overcome the reigning champion.
Thompson’s return to the track this year will be closely watched, as he is set to make his indoor debut at the Astana Indoor Meeting in Kazakhstan on January 25. This event will provide a glimpse of his form leading into the World Championships, and fans are eager to see how he stacks up against Lyles and other potential challengers. Thompson’s silence since the Olympics has only fueled speculation, as observers wonder how he has been preparing for the upcoming season.
Lyles, on the other hand, faces the pressure of defending his title. While he has consistently been one of the top sprinters in the world, there are doubts about whether he can achieve a three-peat in the 100m. The idea of Lyles securing a third consecutive world title has been met with skepticism, as many believe the competition, particularly Thompson, will be more formidable this year.
In addition to Lyles and Thompson, other sprinters, such as Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, are also expected to make their presence felt. Tebogo has been generating buzz for his impressive performances, and some have even drawn comparisons between him and Usain Bolt. While the focus remains on Lyles and Thompson, the emergence of other strong contenders could further intensify the race for the gold.
As the World Championships in Tokyo draw closer, the rivalry between Lyles and Thompson is shaping up to be one of the most exciting storylines of the year. With both sprinters hungry for victory, the 100m final promises to be a thrilling contest that could see a new world champion crowned.
