Top sprinters Sha’Carri Richardson, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Tina Clayton, and Shericka Jackson progressed as World Championship 2025 100m drama intensifies.

Defending 100m women’s champion Sha’Carri Richardson has stormed into the semi-finals of the women’s 100m at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

The American star came through strongly in Heat 3, clocking a Season’s Best of 11.03s in a powerful display of form.

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden delivered a blistering run in the first heat, crossing the line in 10.99 seconds to secure an automatic qualifying spot. Zoe Hobbs of New Zealand finished second in 11.16s, joining her in the next round.

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Jamaica’s Tina Clayton dominated the second heat, holding off Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith (11.07s) and Poland’s Ewa Swoboda (11.18s).

Clayton’s victory set the tone for a strong showing from the Jamaican contingent.

Adding even more excitement to the women’s field, Shericka Jackson powered her way into the semifinals, looking smooth and composed as she crossed the line.

The multiple-time world medalist’s presence guarantees that the next round will feature one of the most stacked semifinal lineups in recent championship history.

“The times are quick, and the competition is fierce — exactly what we expected at this level,” said one trackside analyst after the heats.

With Richardson, Jefferson-Wooden, Clayton, and Jackson all safely through, the women’s 100m is shaping up to be a showdown of global sprint titans.

The semifinals will pit experience against rising talent, with Richardson’s title defense facing stiff challenges from Jamaica’s powerhouses and a resurgent Dina Asher-Smith.

“It’s all about executing each round,” said Asher-Smith.

“I felt good, and I know there’s more to come in the next round.”

The women’s semifinals, featuring Richardson, Jefferson-Wooden, Clayton, and Jackson, promise just as much drama as fans gear up for what could be one of the fastest nights in championship history.