Melissa Jefferson-Wooden was a class apart in the women’s 100m at the 2025 Silesia Diamond League stop – the Kamila Skolimowska Memorial – on Saturday (16 August).
The American powered clear from early on to win in 10.66, just one-hundredth of a second outside her 2025 world lead. Tia Clayton took second in a personal best of 10.82, with the ageless Ivorian Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith clocking a season’s best 10.90 in third.
Clayton’s twin sister, Jamaican national champion Tina, was fourth in 10.91 ahead of Jacious Sears.
Reigning world champion Sha’Carri Richardson, who has been dealing with off-track issues and failed to make the 200m final at the U.S. nationals, was slowly away although she did manage to pick up midway through the race. The 25-year-old training partner of Jefferson-Wooden finished down in sixth, but did post a season’s best 11.05.
“I was genuinely shocked when I saw the time,” Jefferson-Wooden admitted to reporters. “Everything is going great this year. I hope to keep this momentum not just until Brussels, but also the World Championships.
“People thought I would not last as an athlete because of my early start, but I take good care of myself and I have a great team around me who keep me grounded. I am thankful for the opportunity to travel overseas and compete in the Diamond League. I do not take anything for granted. I also have great respect for the other ladies. I never expect a race to be easy.”
Jefferson-Wooden and Richardson are scheduled to meet again in the 100 metres at Brussels on Friday (22 August).