Christian Coleman finally got the title he that eluded him two years ago, storming to a World Lead (WL) and Lifetime’s Best of 9.76s to win his first ever 100m World Title at the ongoing World Championships in Doha.
In what was a reversal of positions from the last World Champs in London, Coleman led an American 1-2 finish, getting the better of his compatriot, Justin Gatlin who ran a Season’s Best of 9.89s to get the Silver.
Canada’s Andre De Grasse, came up with yet another strong finish like he did in the semis, piping South Africa’s Akani Simbine to win the Bronze medal with a new Personal Best of 9.90s. This is De Grasse’s second 100m Bronze medal at a world Champs, having won a joint Bronze with Trayvon Brommel in 2015.
This has always been Coleman’s year, coming to the Doha with the fastest time in the world this season with a time of 9.81s. He led through the rounds, and was the only athlete to go under 10s in the heats and semis, clocking 9.98s and 9.88s respectively.
Coming into the final, Coleman had his trademark start and when he got into the lead, he simply pulled away from the chasing pack to storm to victory. Gatlin tried to stay with him, but Coleman was a class apart from the rest, and totally unstoppable in his quest to claim the title.
Coleman will come back to compete in the 200m, but he will be up against a very strong Noah Lyles who opted for just this event rather than doubling, and will no doubt be more fresher.
With this victory in Doha, Coleman is already the designated favourite to win the 100m Olympic title in Tokyo, and it’s hard seeing who could stop him in Japan next year.
