‘I Was Shocked!’ - Tyson Gay Admits After Oblique Seville Stuns Kishane Thompson, Noah Lyles in 100m Tokyo Showdown

American sprint legend Tyson Gay has admitted being shocked by Oblique Seville’s performance in the final of the 100 meter dash at the Tokyo World Championship final, pipping countryman Kishane Thompson and Olympic champion Noah Lyles to the ultimate prize.

Seville’s personal best run of 9.77 second in the race not only secured his maiden global title but also ended Jamaica’s nine-year wait for gold in the event, last won by the legendary Usain Bolt in 2016.

The showdown was billed as one of the most competitive finals in history, featuring Olympic champion Noah Lyles, Olympic silver medalist Kishane Thompson, in-form Kenny Bednarek, as well as African sprint kings Letsile Tebogo and Akani Simbine.

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The fireworks started even before the race, when Botswana’s Tebogo false-started and was disqualified, sparking shock inside the stadium. 

Once the race finally got underway, it looked like Thompson and Lyles were set to battle for gold—until Seville produced a scorching late burst in the outside lane, blowing past both men to snatch victory.

Speaking on Justin Gatlin’s Ready Set Go podcast, Gay admitted Seville wasn’t on his radar for a medal despite his strong form earlier in the year.

“I had Noah for the win. I also had Kishane and Kenny, but I felt like Kenny didn’t really get off to a good start—his reaction seemed off,” Gay said.

“Noah may have had a few minor issues during the season, maybe slightly rushed or not enough races, but I still had my money on him. He’s got the heart of a champion—no excuses, just goes out there and does his thing.

“I was shocked by Seville. I didn’t have him in my top three, even though he ran great this year and even beat Noah twice. To me, he was a sleeper. But to rise to the occasion and look that good doing it—there was no dip, he just looked amazing. Hats off to him and his coach Mills. That’s how the 100m is—one minute you’re up, the next you’re down.”

Despite seeing his bid for gold denied, Lyles battled to bronze, something Gay believes shows his fighting spirit.

“That bronze medal doesn’t slight him. It shows how strong of a fighter Noah is. Even with setbacks or injuries, he still came out and performed,” Gay noted.

“As for the 200m, Noah’s just going to do what he does best—run hard, give it his all, and focus on winning.

 Everyone in that field knows they’ll have to bring it to beat him. The 200 comes easier to him; he won’t worry about the start, he’ll just run, have fun, and we’ll see what happens.”

From shock disqualification to a history-making performance, the Tokyo 100m final delivered every ounce of drama. And for Jamaica, Seville’s victory marks the dawn of a new sprint king.