Seville Surges to 9.87 in Lausanne, Eyes World Championship Glory

Jamaican sprint star Oblique Seville sent a clear message to the world with a blistering 9.87s victory in the men’s 100m at the 2025 Athletissima Diamond League meet in Lausanne.

The performance, delivered in challenging conditions, not only earned him maximum points but also reinforced his growing reputation as a serious contender for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo.

‘Running 9.87 in those conditions shows I can go much faster, anywhere in the world. That’s a good time,’ Seville said post-race. ‘I’ve beaten the Olympic Champion twice, in London and here, and that gives me a lot of confidence heading into the championships.

‘It’s been a while since a Jamaican man has won the 100m at a global championship, and of course I believe I can be the one to do it.’

Seville’s win follows his earlier triumph at the London Diamond League, where he also defeated reigning Olympic champion Noah Lyles, marking back-to-back victories over the American and further fueling his momentum.

Lyles, who finished second in Lausanne with 10.02s, acknowledged a poor start but remained optimistic.

‘I just had a horrible reaction to the gun. That was the only thing wrong,’ Lyles admitted post-race.

‘Technically I felt good, my warm-up was good, but once you miss the start at this level the race is basically over. Physically I feel great, and I am confident every race will get better and better. The goal is to sharpen the details, especially my drive phase and my start, heading to Tokyo and the World Championships.’

With Tokyo fast approaching, Seville’s form and confidence could signal a shift in the sprinting hierarchy. Jamaica hasn’t claimed a global 100m title since the Usain Bolt era, and Seville now stands as the island’s brightest hope to reclaim that crown.