Bednarek, Jefferson-Wooden Break Records in USATF 100m race

USATF 2025: Bednarek and Jefferson-Wooden’s Blazing Sprints Punch Tickets to Tokyo

EUGENE, OREGON — The 2025 USATF Outdoor Track and Field Championships delivered electrifying performances as Kenny Bednarek and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden blazed to victory in the men’s and women’s 100m finals, respectively. With Bednarek clocking 9.79 seconds and Jefferson-Wooden running 10.65 seconds, both athletes secured their spots on Team USA for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

USATF Official Website – Championships Page

Kenny Bednarek’s Breakthrough in the 100m

Known for his prowess in the 200m, Bednarek stunned the crowd at Hayward Field by delivering a career-defining performance in the 100m final. His time of 9.79s not only marked a new personal best but also ranks among the top five fastest times in the world this season.

“I’ve always believed I had 9.7 in me—I just needed the stage,” Bednarek said after the race.

He edged out Courtney Lindsey (9.82s) and T’Mars McCallum (9.83s) in one of the most tightly contested sprint finals in USATF history. According to World Athletics, this is now the fastest legal 100m of Bednarek’s professional career.

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Runs Into the Record Books

In the women’s final, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden delivered a statement race, clocking 10.65 seconds — tying the fifth-fastest time in U.S. women’s 100m history.

Her electric start and smooth top-end speed sealed the win over a stacked field. It also capped off a strong season that included wins in Miami and Philadelphia, where she ran a then-world-leading 10.73s.

“I knew what I was capable of, and tonight I showed the world,” she said.

Jefferson-Wooden enters Tokyo as one of the favorites, especially with Jamaican rivals also battling consistency issues this season.

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden runs 10.65 seconds to win 100m at USATF 2025 and enters all-time top list

Sha’Carri Richardson’s Withdrawal Raises Questions

Reigning world champion Sha’Carri Richardson withdrew just before the 100m semifinals due to a reported personal incident at Seattle-Tacoma airport. Although she didn’t compete, Richardson may still qualify for the World Championships via wildcard or world ranking, according to Reuters.

Sha’Carri Richardson News Update – Reuters

Projected Team USA 100m Line-Up for Tokyo

Pending final qualification from World Athletics:

Kenny Bednarek and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden celebrate 100m wins at USATF 2025 with times of 9.79s and 10.65s

Men’s 100m:

Kenny Bednarek – 9.79s

Courtney Lindsey – 9.82s

T’Mars McCallum – 9.83s

Noah Lyles may qualify via wildcard as reigning world champion.

Women’s 100m:

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden – 10.65s

Kayla White – 10.84s

Aleia Hobbs – 10.92s

Hayward Field: The Home of Track Legends

With crystal-clear skies and a roaring crowd, Hayward Field once again lived up to its reputation as the cathedral of American track & field. Fans witnessed world-class performances and a new generation of sprint icons stepping up.

“These weren’t just fast races—they were statements,” said analyst Ato Boldon.

Fast Times, Global Implications

Bednarek and Jefferson-Wooden’s times place them firmly in medal contention for Tokyo. Their victories mark a resurgence in U.S. sprinting, highlighting a shift toward depth and youth in the national program.

Packed Hayward Field crowd during USATF 2025 Track and Field Championships"

Quick FAQs:

Q: Who won the 100m titles at USATF 2025?
A: Kenny Bednarek (9.79s) and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (10.65s).

Q: Is Sha’Carri Richardson going to Tokyo?
A: She withdrew before the semifinals but may still qualify as a wildcard or defending champion.

Q: When are the 2025 World Championships?
A: September 14–22, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan.

Fan Reactions & Online Sentiment

Reddit:

“Kenny was in the middle of all the teenagers lol, with him and all his experience and medals knowing that he isn't letting you beat him…” – fan on r/trackandfield

Criticism was also aimed at the number of heats, with users calling for more efficient scheduling.

Final Thoughts

The USATF Championships weren’t just a qualifier—they were a declaration of U.S. sprinting supremacy. With Bednarek and Jefferson-Wooden leading the charge, Team USA heads to Tokyo with momentum, medals, and motivation.

Stay connected for the final roster, heat schedules, and live results via WorldAthletics.org.