The sprinting spotlight of 2025 is no longer centered on Noah Lyles. His journey in the world of track and field got the highlight when he won a trio of gold medals at the 2023 World Championships. 100m, 200m, and the 4×100m relay – he conquered it all. Even at the Paris Olympics, Lyles defended his ‘fastest man in the world’ status by winning the 100m race in just 9.784 seconds. But now, the mantle has shifted to another sprinter – Kishane Thompson.
This outcome can be blamed on Lyles’ absence from the 2025 World Championships. As a result, he’s nowhere to be found in the top 10 list. Instead, Kishane Thompson of Jamaica now leads the world with a blistering 9.75 seconds. Of course, we expected Lyles to dominate the tracks this time, too. But Thompson certainly deserves the applause for squashing Lyles’ 2024 Olympic record.
Right behind him is Kenny Bednarek, better known for his 200m speed. He clocked in a surprising 9.79 seconds, marking his full emergence as a true sprint double threat.
Meanwhile, Bryan Levell and Courtney Lindsey have both clocked 9.82 seconds. Oblique Seville and T’Mars McCallum are next with a timeframe of 9.83 seconds. Trayvon Bromell and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu are tied for the 5th spot with 9.84 on the clock. Even Christian Coleman is faster this year with 9.86. And in the 10th place, it’s Ackeem Blake with 9.88 seconds on the clock.
Men’s 100m 2025 Toplist
Kishane Thompson – 9.75
Kenny Bednarek – 9.79
Bryan Levell – 9.82
Courtney Lindsey – 9.82
Oblique Seville – 9.83
T’Mars McCallum – 9.83
Trayvon Bromell – 9.84
Abdul-Rasheed Saminu – 9.84
Christian Coleman – 9.86
Ackeem Blake…
— Track & Field Gazette (@TrackGazette) August 6, 2025
And where exactly is Noah Lyles in the World Athletics’ rankings? He’s way down at the 35th spot with his performance on 19 July 2025. But if we look at the 200m dash on August 3, 2025, Lyles made a mesmerizing comeback. He swooped past Kenny Bednarek and crossed the line at 19.63. Meanwhile, Bednarek came in second just 0.04 seconds behind Lyles.
Now, even though things are looking bad for Lyles in the 2025 World Athletics rankings, his rivalry with Thompson is far from over. The duo will compete again on 20 August at the upcoming Lausanne Diamond League. But do you know what Lyles has to say about his competition?
Noah Lyles openly challenges Kenny Bednarek and Kishane Thompson ahead of the Diamond League
Things almost got heated up on 3rd August when Noah Lyles stared down Bednarek while crossing him in the 200m race. Although they ultimately shook hands, Bednarek was visibly upset.
Talking about his rivalry with Lyles, he mentioned, “What he said didn’t matter, it’s just what he did. It’s a respect factor. He’s fresh. Last time we lined it up, I beat him, that’s all I can say. Next time we line up, I’m going to win. That’s all that matters. We’ll go fresh and we’ll see what happens. Because I’m very confident I can beat him. That’s all I can say.”
And Lyles’ response? It was cold and slick. The Paris Olympics 100m champion aimed at Thompson, Bednarek, and his other competitors. “If they ain’t gonna beat me now, they ain’t gonna beat me ever.” Needless to say, Lyles’ confidence is pretty commendable. But we ought to note that this year has been the quickest 100m for Thomson.
Yet, all things said, it indeed feels like Lyles vs. the world. Despite slipping in the 2025 rankings, Noah Lyles remains defiant and determined. With a fiery rivalry brewing and the Diamond League showdown ahead, the sprint king isn’t ready to surrender his crown just yet — not without a fight. But can he win on August 20?
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