Since the first edition of the multi-sport event, the 100 metres has been competed at the Summer Olympics. Since 1896, the men's 100 m has been part of the Olympic athletics programme. The 100-meter dash is regarded as one of the most prestigious Olympic events and one of the most high-profile competitions. It is the most prestigious 100 m race at the elite level, as well as the shortest sprinting competition at the Olympics, a position it has held since 1900, with the exception of a brief period between 1900 and 1904, when a men's 60 m race was run. Usain Bolt set the Olympic record for the race in 2012 with a time of 9.63 seconds.
It will be no different in Tokyo, as competitors will compete for a hat trick of titles to establish their value against the best. The eight-time Olympic gold medalist is the only person to win the 100m and 200m races at the same Olympics in Beijing, London, and Rio. However, now that Usain Bolt has gone, the race for the top spot in the 100m is wide open. On that point, let's take a look at the top five male contenders at the Tokyo Olympics, who will aim to rewrite 100m history.
5. Andre De Grasse (Canada)
In the men's 100m race at the Tokyo Olympics, Andre De Grasse will lead the Canadian challenge. De Grasse is one of the few competitors in this class that ran a sub-10 second 100-metre last year, making him a viable contender. De Grasse made his mark on the international track scene in 2015, startling the world with a world championship medal. In Rio, he finished third in the 100m behind Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin before winning bronze in the men's 4x100m relay. De Grasse, who is presently ranked No. 5 in the world, appears to be a lock for an Olympic medal this year.
4. Noah Lyles (USA)
Noah Lyles is one of several brilliant American athletes and this year's best hope for competing and winning at the Olympics. With the best time of 19.50 seconds, the 23-year-old is one of the top 200-meter sprinters in the world. Lyles, who is ranked 10th in the world, won gold in the 200 m event at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, but his 100 m potential is yet unknown. With Christian Coleman out of the Olympics this year, Lyles' chances of winning have never been better. Lyles will ensure he is in top shape heading into the Tokyo Olympics by displaying his mettle throughout qualification events.
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3. Akani Simbine (South Africa)
Akani Simbine, the world no. 2 in the 100m, is his country's greatest representative and a strong candidate for gold at this year's Tokyo Olympics. He came in fifth place at the 2016 Rio Olympics, just missing out on a medal. His best year was 2018, when he won gold in the African Championships and the Commonwealth Games. He finished fifth in the 100m final at the World Championships after finishing fifth in the Rio Olympics, and he might improve his mark by one spot in 2019. After falling short at significant competitions in previous years, he has reaffirmed his aim to end his Olympic medal drought at the Tokyo Olympics.
2. Yohan Blake (Jamaica)
Yohan Blake of Jamaica has been a frequent rival for Usain Bolt during the last three Olympic Games. After winning the world championships that year, Blake won silver in the 100 m event in the London Olympics. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, he earned gold in the 4 x 100 m relay. His poor performance in 2019 gave the impression that he was not ready for the 2020 Olympics. However, based on his consistent rising career trajectory, he is considered a favourite to win this year's Tokyo Olympics.
1. Justin Gatlin (USA)
Bolt is no longer competing, and American Justin Gatlin is the favourite to win an Olympic gold medal this year. The five-time Olympian, who specialises in the 100 and 200-metre events, has previously been Usain Bolt's fiercest competitor. Gatlin won the 2004 Olympic gold medal in the 100-metre dash, but he was forced to withdraw from the 2008 Olympics owing to a drug ban. After a two-year ban, he returned in 2016 and became the oldest athlete to win an Olympic medal in the 100m. Currently world no. 1 in the 100m category, he also took silver at the 2019 World Championships in Doha. If he finishes on the podium in Tokyo, he will be in contention to become the oldest man to win an Olympic medal in any event.
