American sprinters Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles delivered impressive performances at the World Championships in Tokyo on July 7, 2025. Both athletes secured victories in their preliminary heats for the 100 meters, rekindling hope after a challenging season. This marked a significant moment for the competitors, who reveled in the cheers of a packed stadium, a stark contrast to the empty stands experienced during the disrupted Tokyo Olympics four years prior.
Lyles, the defending world champion, clocked a time of 9.95 seconds, tying with Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson, who only exerted himself for the first segment of the race. Reflecting on his previous Olympic experience, Lyles noted, “Last one, I could hear my own thoughts echoing off the wall. So, completely different.” Despite entering the championships as an underdog, Lyles expressed renewed confidence, attributing his improved performance to adjustments made in training. “I was tightening my muscles, and every time I tighten my muscles, my stride gets shorter,” he explained. “I loosened up and, suddenly, it’s working.”
Richardson faced her own hurdles this year, having struggled with injuries. While she had a slow start, she ultimately secured her spot in the semifinals with a winning time of 11.03 seconds, her best performance of the year. Although she admitted the season has not unfolded as she had hoped, she remained optimistic. “I know that this year is not what I ideally saw as being my golden year,” she said, adding, “when I think of ‘golden’ now, I think of buried treasure and sometimes you’ve got to dig through the dirt to get to the gold.”
Highlights from the Championships
Both athletes will compete in the semifinals and finals scheduled for July 8, with a strong field of contenders, including U.S. champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Olympic champion Julien Alfred, and Jamaica’s Oblique Seville. In the long jump, Olympic champion Tara Davis-Woodhall advanced after completing her qualifying jump, showcasing her progress since finishing sixth in the empty stadium four years earlier. She remarked on the difference in atmosphere this time, saying, “It’s like silent applause. The fans are amazing.”
In the shot put, Ryan Crouser achieved a remarkable victory, marking his third consecutive world championship title. Despite nursing an elbow injury that kept him from competing earlier in the year, he managed to secure gold with a throw of 22.34 meters (73 feet, 3.5 inches). This victory adds to his impressive record, as he becomes the second man to win three straight shot put titles, joining Switzerland’s Werner Güntör.
Another highlight was the women’s 10,000 meters, where the world-record holder and Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet emerged victorious. She passed defending champion Gudaf Tsegay with a half-lap remaining, ultimately finishing with a time of 30 minutes, 37.61 seconds. Although it may not have matched her previous records, the gold medal solidifies her standing in the sport. Chebet’s future match-up in the 5,000 meters against Faith Kipyegon, the 1,500-meter world-record holder, promises to be an exciting event next weekend.
The American mixed relay team also shined, taking gold in the 4×400 meters. Led by Alexis Holmes, they built an insurmountable lead, finishing 1.16 seconds ahead of the Netherlands’ Femke Bol. Although Bol was unable to close the gap this time, she is expected to be a strong contender in the upcoming women’s 400 hurdles.
As the championships continue, the performances of Richardson, Lyles, and their fellow athletes highlight the resilience and determination that define track and field. The excitement in Tokyo sets the stage for more thrilling moments in the days to come.
