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Thompson set to deliver something special
June 26, 2025
A YEAR ago, the Stephen Francis-coached Kishane Thompson of MVP Track Club warmed the hearts of fans inside the National Stadium with a special performance at the National Senior Championships, stopping the clock at 9.77 seconds to win the men's 100 metres. It was a memorable moment as he claimed his first national senior title.
Fast forward one year, Thompson, who went on to grab silver in the event at the Paris Olympic Games, losing to the United States' Noah Lyles in an extremely close finish, is set for another spectacular performance this Friday at the National Stadium.
The fastest Jamaican male so far this season, following his 9.88-second clocking to win easily at the Racers Grand Prix a few weeks ago - where he appeared to have more in the tank - Thompson is the overwhelming favourite to win and retain his title.
A sub-9.8-second performance could be on the cards as he aims to light up the track once again.
One athlete expected to push Thompson to the limit is Oblique Seville of Racers Track Club. Very consistent at these Championships since 2022 -- always among the top three -- Seville will be hungry for a win.
Second in 2022, third in 2023, and second again last year, Seville will be eyeing his first national senior title.
Having run several splendid 200-metre races in his build-up this season, Seville has looked razor sharp. Despite an earlier injury, he showed in his last outing - where he finished second to Thompson at the Racers Grand Prix - that he is back to full fitness. An upset is not out of reach, and he certainly has the pedigree to do it.
Last year's third-place finisher - and also third in 2022 - Ackeem Blake of Speed Dynamics Track Club will make his return after injury interrupted his preparations. He won't be fazed by the top two, and with his explosive start, he is dangerous.
After finishing fourth last year, Bryan Levell of Uptimum Performance Track Club will be seeking a top-three finish. The former Edwin Allen High star has been one of the most improved male sprinters on the island. He showed at the Racers Grand Prix that he is in exceptional form, clocking 19.79 seconds in a positive wind of 2.5 metres per second to win the men's 200 metres.
None of the top three can afford to take their foot off the gas, as Levell could pounce and deliver something very special.
Veteran Yohan Blake, the 2021 and 2022 champion and joint-second fastest man ever in the event with 9.69 - tied with the United States' Tyson Gay - will be hoping to turn back the clock and make his presence felt.
However, he is expected to find it tough and may struggle to make the final, with younger opponents such as Rohan Watson (2023 champion), Jehlani Gordon, Jelani Walker, Sandrey Davidson, Kadrian Goldson, Deandre Daley, and schoolboy Gary Card all dangerous customers.
