We could be witnessing the rise of a new world champion in the women’s 100m, as Georgetown’s Melissa Jefferson-Wooden continues her incredible run this season. With reigning champion Sha’Carri Richardson unable to find her best form, Jefferson has stepped into the spotlight. She remains undefeated in the 100m this year, and her dominant showing in Brussels has many convinced she could claim the world title in Tokyo next month.
At the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Jefferson stormed ahead from the start, finishing with a commanding 10.76 seconds. Richardson, though finally making the podium, trailed well behind at 11.08 seconds. Jefferson’s performance has only boosted fan confidence in her chances at the World Championships. Reports highlight that six of the ten fastest 100m times this season belong to her, showing her clear dominance.
Women’s 100m fastest times in 2025
🇺🇸 Melissa Jefferson-Wooden – 10.65
🇺🇸 Melissa Jefferson-Wooden – 10.66
🇺🇸 Melissa Jefferson-Wooden – 10.73
🇱🇨 Julien Alfred – 10.75
🇺🇸 Melissa Jefferson-Wooden – 10.75
🇺🇸 Melissa Jefferson-Wooden – 10.76
🇱🇨 Julien Alfred – 10.77
🇱🇨 Julien…— Track & Field Gazette (@TrackGazette) August 23, 2025
She began her campaign at the Kingston Grand Slam, winning both the 100m (11.11s) and the 200m (23.46s). Since then, she has remained untouchable. Her USATF national crown came with a personal best of 10.65s in the 100m and 21.84s in the 200m. Her Diamond League performances added to her momentum, but she has now withdrawn from the Zurich finale to fully focus on the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo.
Jefferson explained that her success is rooted in discipline and consistency:
“At this point, it’s just about consistency and practice making perfect. I feel like I’ve done a very good job of being disciplined this year and that discipline is giving me the times and results I want.”
Fans have responded with excitement and confidence, some predicting she could run as fast as 10.59 seconds in Tokyo. Others believe she is already unstoppable, with comments like, “Melissa is eating! My God!” and, “The plan is definitely to go out there and take gold.”
Interestingly, Jefferson’s 10.65 personal best matches Richardson’s mark from 2023, the year Richardson became world champion. But history reminds us that execution matters most. For example, Richardson had the fastest time of 2024 (10.71 at the U.S. Trials) but only managed silver at the Paris Olympics, where Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia won gold with 10.72 seconds.
Many now believe the World Championships belong to Jefferson. Still, the question remains whether she can maintain her composure and consistency when it matters most, or if she could stumble the way Richardson did in Paris.
Jefferson remains confident:
“I’m so grateful for everyone in my circle who helped and pushed me to get here. This year, I have put in a lot of work, and that is what makes me confident; I know what I’m capable of. This is probably the first season that I have zero doubts because I know that I worked hard.”
Whether she cements her place as the new queen of the 100m will be revealed in Tokyo.