Jamaica’s medal tally grew on Friday night on the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, because the Caribbean nation secured two bronze medals within the sprints on the iconic Nationwide Stadium.
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The primary got here courtesy of Bryan Levell, who produced the race of his life within the males’s 200 meters. Clocking a blinding private better of 19.64 seconds, the 21-year-old edged previous Botswana’s defending champion Letsile Tebogo to grab third place.
The gold medal went to American star Noah Lyles, who triumphed in 19.52 seconds, adopted carefully by compatriot Kenny Bednarek with 19.58 seconds. For Levell, competing in his first senior world championship, the rostrum end marked the start of what guarantees to be a vivid worldwide profession.
Jackson yields the crown
Moments later, Jamaica’s dash queen Shericka Jackson, the two-time defending champion within the ladies’s 200 meters, was compelled to accept bronze. Jackson crossed the road in 22.18 seconds, as American Melissa Jefferson-Wood stormed to victory with a world-leading 21.68 seconds, turning into the primary American girl to finish the World Championships dash double.
In one of many night’s greatest surprises, Nice Britain’s Amy Hunt surged to silver in 22.14 seconds, edging Jackson within the closing meters.
Drama earlier than the beginning
The race carried an added twist even earlier than the gun. Anthonique Strachan of the Bahamas, operating from lane one together with her left leg closely strapped, was disqualified for a false begin. Strachan had superior as one of many quickest non-automatic qualifiers on Thursday, however left the monitor in seen ache, her hopes of a medal dashed earlier than the race even started.
Jamaica’s medal rely climbs
With Levell’s and Jackson’s podium finishes, Jamaica’s total tally now stands at eight medals: one gold, 4 silver, and three bronze. The haul underscores the island’s enduring popularity as a worldwide dash powerhouse, whilst new names like Levell emerge alongside seasoned champions.