Ajayi makes history in Diamond League final
Kanyinsola Ajayi has become the first Nigerian 100m men’s athlete to secure a podium finish in the Diamond League final. The 21-year-old sprinter who turned professional this year finished third in the final race in Brussels in 9.97s. Ajayi finished behind Emmanuel Eseme of Cameroon who took second, while Jamaica’s Oblique Seville took the win […]
Kanyinsola Ajayi, a 21-year-old Nigerian sprinter, has etched his name in history as the first Nigerian male 100m athlete to achieve a podium finish at the Diamond League final. Racing in Brussels, the young sprinter crossed the line in 9.97 seconds, placing him third. Behind him was Emmanuel Eseme of Cameroon, who claimed second place, while Jamaica's Oblique Seville emerged victorious, winning the Diamond League trophy in 9.90 seconds. Ajayi's success earned him a $10,000 cash prize for his third-place finish.
This marks Ajayi's second podium finish in a major event during his debut season, following a third-place result at the Commonwealth Games. As an NCAA champion, he had previously beaten Seville twice during the Diamond League season. Despite Seville's experience, Ajayi managed to secure his 16th sub-10s performance in the final, outperforming a field that includes both world and Commonwealth champions.
Ajayi, who currently holds Nigeria's record in the 100m, will return to the United States after the conclusion of the season to continue his studies and further prepare for the 2027 season.
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