Track and field might not dominate headlines year-round, but when it does, it’s electric. Yet, for all the Olympic glory and world-record moments, the sport struggles to maintain the financial backing other major leagues enjoy. Even the best of the best—World and Olympic champions—don’t see guaranteed paychecks. Noah Lyles has called the track a “dying sport,” while Grant Holloway made waves by skipping Diamond League meets this year, saying the payouts just weren’t worth it. But 2025? That’s a different story.

The Wanda Diamond League is stepping up in a big way, and the excitement starts early. The Keqiao Diamond League on May 3 will set the tone with a men’s 100m lineup that’s already shaping up to be one of the best of the season. And while Noah Lyles’ absence is impossible to ignore, fans aren’t dwelling on it because all eyes are now on Christian Coleman. The former world champion, known for his explosive starts, is not just one of the biggest names in the race, but also Sha’Carri Richardson’s boyfriend, adding an extra layer of intrigue.

The hype is real, and fans can feel it. The Wanda Diamond League took to X, teasing the Keqiao men’s 100m showdown with a simple but loaded message: “The Men’s 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣m is shaping up to be a fast one! 👀🔥” That was all it took for track fans to go into a frenzy. And who can blame them? The lineup is nothing short of elite, featuring Letsile Tebogo, Kishane Thompson, Christian Coleman, and Marcell Jacobs. All primed for an early-season statement. It’s the kind of matchup that sets the tone for the entire season, and with the new prize money structure adding even more fuel to the fire, the stakes have never been higher.

The sprint showdown in Keqiao isn’t just about speed—it’s about supremacy. Last year’s Diamond League breakout star, Tebogo, is shifting his focus to the 100m after five stunning wins and an Olympic gold in the 200m. But the Botswanan sensation isn’t getting a free pass. He’ll be up against Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson, fresh off an Olympic silver, and Italy’s Marcell Jacobs, the reigning Olympic champion from 2021. Add in two-time Diamond League champ Christian Coleman, a sprinter who knows how to perform under pressure, and the field is already stacked. But wait—there’s more.

South Africa’s Akani Simbine and Great Britain’s rising star Jeremiah Azu are also in the mix, adding even more unpredictability to this must-watch race. As track and field insider Owen put it, “If that isn’t good enough, 4x100m Olympic silver medallist Akani Simbine and European Indoor Champion Jeremiah Azu are also part of this stellar field!!!” With an insane lineup like this, fans know they’re in for the fireworks. This isn’t just another early-season race; it’s a preview of the battles that will shape the 2025 season.

Track fans react to Coleman’s training, Kishane’s return, and a race for the ages

“I’m excited to be exactly where I am right now in my career. And it’s pretty cool stuff. So I’m just blessed, man.” That’s how Christian Coleman summed up his mindset after attending his own Invitational—confident, grateful, and ready for what’s next. And with his name now set for the Keqiao Diamond League, fans are eager to see where he stands against the world’s best. “Well, we’re finding out in over a month’s time how the new training is going for CC,” one fan posted. Coleman himself has been vocal about his long-term vision, already eyeing not just this season but a run toward 2028. His hunger for dominance mirrors that of Sha’Carri Richardson. A drive to stay at the top, not just get there.

Meanwhile, the return of Kishane Thompson is sending waves of excitement through the track world. After an explosive start to his season, Thompson had seemingly vanished from the competition circuit, fueling concerns over his health. When reports surfaced that he was off the “Road to Nanjing” portal, many assumed the worst—that he was done for the year. But now? He’s back, and fans are ecstatic. “I heard Kishane was out for the rest of the season. Delighted to see this!” one user posted, while another added, “Glad to see Kishane back and healthy after the episode he recently had.” His return isn’t just great for Jamaican sprinting—it’s a huge boost to an already stacked 100m lineup.

Speaking of the lineup, it’s hard to overstate how loaded this race is. Letsile Tebogo, Marcell Jacobs, Christian Coleman, and now a fit-again Thompson. It’s a dream clash that fans can’t stop talking about. “It’s just Noah who is missing; otherwise, this is a stacked lineup for the ages,” one tweet read. And that’s true. With Noah Lyles absent, the door is wide open for someone to take control of the early-season narrative in the men’s 100m. Tebogo, fresh off his dominant 200m Olympic run, is making the full transition to the shorter sprint. But he’ll have to prove himself against some of the fastest starters in the game.

With all these storylines converging, the hype is reaching a fever pitch. “Let’s go!! This will be one amazing race,” one fan posted, and that energy is everywhere. This isn’t just another early-season meet. It’s a statement race, a season-defining showdown. Keqiao is giving track fans exactly what they want. The best of the best, head-to-head, with no holding back.