Chorzów, Poland — Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson edged American rival Noah Lyles in a thrilling men’s 100m showdown at the Diamond League meet on Saturday, clocking 9.87 seconds to Lyles’ 9.90. It was their first encounter since Lyles narrowly beat Thompson by five thousandths of a second to claim Olympic gold in Paris. American Kenny Bednarek finished third, marking his first 100m loss of the season. Thompson, who stormed to a 9.75 in June—the fastest 100m time in more than a decade—continued his impressive form ahead of next month’s World Championships in Tokyo. Lyles, the reigning world champion, took positives from the race, having broken the 10-second barrier for the first time this year after recovering from an ankle injury. “I’m as fit as possibly can be. Now it’s just proving that I can get to top-end speed,” he told Flotrack. Their rivalry is expected to intensify in Tokyo, where Lyles will attempt to become the first man since Usain Bolt in 2015 to successfully defend a world 100m title. Thompson is seeking to restore Jamaican dominance in the event and become his country’s first world champion since Bolt’s triumph a decade ago. Speaking to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Lyles said: “He’s a great competitor. He’s a very fast man. I still feel like he’s in my pocket. Next time we race, I’ll have something even better.” Thompson responded with a smile: “My pocket’s going to be so far ahead next time, so let’s see.”
Thompson Beats Lyles in 100m Clash at Diamond League in Poland
