The men’s 100m at the Rome Diamond League promises to be one of the fastest races of the season, featuring Olympic champions, world champions, continental record holders and some of the sport’s most exciting young talents. Here’s a closer look at the nine sprinters set to line up.

🇺🇸 Noah Lyles (USA)

Noah Lyles enters Rome as the biggest name in the field and one of the most recognizable faces in world athletics. The American sprint superstar won the 100m gold medal at the Paris Olympics and has established himself as the dominant force in global sprinting. Known for his explosive finishing speed and charismatic personality, Lyles has won multiple world titles across the 100m and 200m.

His personal best of 9.79 seconds places him among the fastest men in history. While he is often associated with the 200m, Lyles has worked tirelessly to improve his start and acceleration, transforming himself into a genuine 100m champion. Rome will be another opportunity for him to test himself against an elite field as he builds toward the World Championships. Whenever Lyles is on the start line, expectations are high and entertainment is guaranteed.

🇰🇪 Ferdinand Omanyala (Kenya)

Ferdinand Omanyala has transformed sprinting in Africa. The Kenyan star holds the African record of 9.77 seconds and became the first Kenyan sprinter to consistently challenge the world’s best in the blue-riband event. His rise has inspired a new generation of African sprinters and expanded the continent’s presence beyond middle- and long-distance running.

Omanyala is known for his powerful drive phase and aggressive racing style. On his day, he can beat anyone in the world, as demonstrated by victories over elite fields on the Diamond League circuit. While championship success has sometimes eluded him, his raw speed remains unquestioned. Rome presents another chance for Omanyala to prove he belongs among the sport’s elite and continue his push toward a major global medal.

🇺🇸 Jordan Anthony (USA)

Jordan Anthony is one of the newest faces among the world’s sprint elite. The young American has emerged through the collegiate system and has quickly gained attention for his explosive speed and consistency. A former multi-sport athlete, Anthony possesses exceptional acceleration and has been tipped as one of the future stars of American sprinting.

The Rome Diamond League represents a significant test in his development, placing him alongside Olympic and world champions. Competing against established names such as Noah Lyles and Letsile Tebogo will provide valuable experience and a chance to showcase his talent on one of athletics’ biggest stages. While still building his international résumé, Anthony is regarded as one of the brightest young sprint prospects in the United States.

🇯🇲 Ackeem Blake (Jamaica)

Ackeem Blake is carrying forward Jamaica’s rich sprinting tradition. Emerging in the post-Usain Bolt era, Blake has developed into one of Jamaica’s fastest men and a regular member of the national relay squad. Known for his explosive starts and fearless racing style, he has repeatedly shown he can challenge world-class fields.

Blake’s career has been marked by steady improvement and growing confidence on the international stage. With personal best performances under ten seconds, he has established himself among the leading sprinters in the world. Rome provides another opportunity for Blake to strengthen his credentials and remind the athletics world that Jamaica remains a sprinting powerhouse even after the retirement of its greatest champion.

🇨🇲 Emmanuel Eseme (Cameroon)

Emmanuel Eseme has become one of Africa’s most exciting sprint talents. The Cameroonian has steadily climbed the world rankings through a series of impressive performances on the European circuit and at major championships. His powerful running style and ability to maintain top speed have made him a consistent threat in high-level competition.

Eseme has played a crucial role in putting Cameroon on the global sprinting map. He has repeatedly broken national records and continues to raise expectations for sprinting in his country. A strong performance in Rome would further enhance his reputation and strengthen his position among Africa’s leading sprinters.

🇿🇦 Akani Simbine (South Africa)

Few athletes in world athletics have been as consistent as Akani Simbine. The South African sprint veteran has spent nearly a decade competing at the highest level, regularly reaching global finals and running sub-10-second times. Although a major individual global title has remained elusive, Simbine’s longevity and consistency have earned widespread respect.

Simbine has become a role model for African sprinting and continues to compete with athletes much younger than himself. His starts are among the best in the world, and his experience often proves decisive in tight races. Rome offers another chance for the South African star to add a high-profile victory to an already distinguished career.

🇧🇼 Letsile Tebogo (Botswana)

Letsile Tebogo is one of the most exciting athletes in global track and field. The Botswanan sensation made history by becoming the first African athlete to win Olympic gold in the men’s 200m at Paris 2024 and has rapidly developed into a world-class performer across the sprint events.

Still only in his early twenties, Tebogo combines exceptional speed with remarkable composure under pressure. While his greatest success has come in the 200m, his 100m performances continue to improve, making him a serious contender in any field. Rome will provide another opportunity for the young star to demonstrate why many believe he could dominate sprinting for years to come.

🇮🇹 Lamont Marcell Jacobs (Italy)

Lamont Marcell Jacobs will enjoy strong home support in Rome as Italy’s most famous track athlete. Jacobs stunned the world at the Tokyo Olympics when he captured the 100m gold medal, becoming the first Italian to win the event and one of the biggest surprises in Olympic sprint history.

Since then, injuries have interrupted his momentum, but Jacobs remains one of the most dangerous competitors when fully fit. His explosive acceleration and championship pedigree make him a genuine threat regardless of the opposition. Racing in front of a home crowd, Jacobs will be highly motivated to deliver a standout performance and reignite his quest for global success.

🇬🇧 Jeremiah Azu (Great Britain)

Jeremiah Azu has emerged as one of Britain’s leading sprint talents. The Welsh sprinter has enjoyed a rapid rise through the national ranks and has established himself as a key member of Great Britain’s relay setup. His strong starts and improving consistency have helped him become a regular presence in elite international competitions.

Azu’s development has been closely watched by British athletics fans, who see him as part of the country’s next generation of sprint stars. Competing against Olympic champions and world-class rivals in Rome will provide another valuable benchmark as he continues his progression. A strong performance could further cement his status as one of Europe’s most promising sprinters.