Athletics: Top 5 contenders for men’s 100m gold at Tokyo Olympics


Athletics: Top 5 contenders for men’s 100m gold at Tokyo Olympics

100 m sprint event

Athletics have always been an exciting event in the Olympics. The 100m sprint event is an exciting event to watch for all, with athletes finishing the event with mind-blowing speeds, making it probably the most exciting event of all. Over the years many Olympians have made their mark in the field of athletics, with Usain Bolt being the most recent, who holds the record for the fastest 100m sprint of all time.

ADVERTISEMENT

The eight-time gold medallist is the only athlete to win the 100m and 200m events consecutively at Bejing, London, and Rio Olympics. However with Usain Bolt now retired, the top spot for the 100m champion is wide open.

Top 5 contenders to win the 100m Gold at Tokyo Olympics this year

5. Andre De Grasse

Andre De Grasse - Contender for 100m gold at Tokyo Olympics
Andre De Grasse

The Canadian athlete, Andre De Grasse, is one of the only athletes to run a sub 10 second 100 m last year, making him a strong contender in this field. De Grasse burst on the international track scene in 2015, completely shocking the world with a medal at the world championships. He managed to win bronze in the 100 m event at the 2016 Rio Olympics, behind Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin.

Ranked No. 6 in the world currently, he won bronze at the 2019 world championships, but is yet to make an international appearance in 2021. After his Rio Olympic appearance, he is definitely a strong contender for the winning position at the Tokyo Olympics.

ADVERTISEMENT

4. Noah Lyles

Noah Lyles
Noah Lyles

Noah Lyles, is one of the many great American athletes and is this year’s strongest hopeful to compete and win at the Olympics this year. The 23 year old is one of the best 200 m sprinters, with a best time of 19.50s.

Winning a gold in the 200 m event at the 2019 world championships in Doha, the youngster’s potential for the 100 m event is still undefined. However, with Christian Coleman being out of the Olympics this year, Lyles chances of winning are now more than ever.

3. Akani Simbine

Akani Simbine - Contender for 100m gold at Tokyo Olympics
Akani Simbine

The South African sprinter Akani Simbine is the best representative of his country, and a strong contender for winning the gold at this year’s Tokyo Olympics. He narrowly missed out at the 2016 Rio Olympics, placing 5th. 2018 was his strongest year, as he won a gold at the African championships as well as the Commonwealth Games.

Constantly facing competition, he is eager to break his drought of Olympic medals. He missed out again at the 2019 world championships, coming 5th, but his potential and hard working spirit definitely make him a threat.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I’m really, really hungry – there’s nothing really in my way. I just want to race hard and race fast, and when I get to the circuit I will be a totally different beast.” he said.

2. Yohan Blake

Yohan Blake - Contender for 100m gold at Tokyo Olympics
Yohan Blake

Jamaica’s Yohan Blake has been constant competition for his fellow athlete Usain Bolt during the last 3 Olympics. Blake clinched the silver in the 100 m event in the London Olympics, after winning the world championships that year. He won gold in the 4 x 100 m relay at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

His disappointing performance in 2019 made it seem as if he was not ready for the next Olympics. However, seeing his strong performance over the years, he is considered a favourite to win at the Tokyo Olympics this year.

1. Justin Gatlin

Justin Gatlin
Justin Gatlin

The most likely to win an Olympic gold this year is Justin Gatlin. The American, who specialises in the 100 m and 200 m events, is a 5 time Olympian and has been the toughest competition for Usain Bolt in the past. The 2004 Olympic gold in the 100 m event was clinched by Gatlin, but he had to sit out the 2008 Olympics due to a doping ban.

ADVERTISEMENT

He came back stronger however, and won a bronze at the 2012 London Olympics and then went ahead to win a silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics. His game has been strong and consistent, as he won a silver at the 2019 Doha World Championships. Gatlin’s strong record and experience makes him the favourite to win at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.

Also read: Athletics at Tokyo Olympics: Top 5 athletes to watch out in women’s 100m