World Athletics Championships 2025: Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Oblique Seville win 100m titles

Fuelled by her desire to stand on the top of the podium after winning 100m bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Jefferson-Wooden arrived in Tokyo as favourite following a stellar season.

Jefferson-Wooden, who has enjoyed success as part of the USA’s 4x100m relay team, had run the fastest three times of 2025 and remained unbeaten over the distance.

She dispelled any suggestions that the subsequent increased expectations might weigh heavy as she cruised through the rounds, before producing a devastating, record-breaking final performance.

Not only did it deliver the gold she desired, but she hinted at where she might yet go from here by clocking the fourth fastest time in history.

Jamaica’s Tina Clayton claimed silver, with Olympic champion Julien Alfred, from Saint Lucia, taking bronze, and Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith finishing eighth.