It is well-known in the Olympics community that Kishane Thompson of Jamaica or Noah Lyles of the United States would probably win the men’s 100-metre sprint, the main event in track and field.
Before the commencement of the Games, Thompson was the favourite at first, but earlier last week, Lyles emerged as the obvious choice after some events. However, with everyone having competed in Round 1, the picture is much clearer now. Thompson is once again the clear favourite in the betting, and it’s by a wide margin.
Thompson expected to win the 100-metre gold
Bettors went to the bookies to place bets on the Jamaican after watching the men compete in the 100-meter first round.
Lyles looked underwhelming, though arguably he wasn’t giving it his all because all he needed to do to move on to the semifinals was to finish in his heat’s top three. With a time of 10.04, he is behind Great Britain’s Louie Hinchcliffe in his heat.
At 10.00, Thompson didn’t run any faster, but he managed to win his heat by 0.08 seconds, letting up his pace when he felt that he had the lead secured.
Regardless of whether Lyles simply didn’t give it his best or if it wasn’t his day, bookmakers are now cautious about Lyles’ chances of taking home the gold. Thompson now has the highest possibility of bringing home a gold medal.
Current Men’s 100m Odds to Win Olympic Gold Medal
- Kishane Thompson (JAM) -160
- Noah Lyles (USA) +130
- Oblique Sevile (JAM) +1100
- Fred Kerley (USA) +1500
- Kenneth Bednarek (USA) +1800
- Letsile Tebogo (BOT) +2200
- Lemont Marcell Jacobs (ITA) +4000
- Ferdinand Omanyala (KEN) +5000
- Louie Hinchliffe (GBR) +5000
- Zharnel Hughes (GBR) +6000
- Akani Simbine (RSA) +6000
- Emmanuel Eseme (CMR) +8000
- Andre De Grasse (CAN) +8000
- Ackeem Blake (JAM) +8000
Source: SI.com