Nigerian track and field sprinter Kanyinsola Ajayi the 21-year- old has emerged as one of the fastest sprinters in the world.
The Ikorodu-born athlete, who competes for Auburn University in the United States, now holds Nigeria’s men’s 100m record with a stunning time of 9.84 seconds.
Here are five facts about him:
1. He set a new national record:
Ajayi clocked 9.84 seconds in May 2026, breaking Olusoji Fasuba’s long-standing Nigerian record of 9.85 seconds that had stood for two decades.
2. He stunned the world champion:
He announced himself on the Diamond League stage by defeating reigning world champion Oblique Seville in both the Prefontaine Classic and the London Diamond League.
3. He ended an 18-year wait:
At the 2025 World Athletics Championships, Ajayi became the first Nigerian man since 2007 to qualify for the 100m final, where he finished sixth.
4. He’s an NCAA star:
Representing Auburn University, he has won both the NCAA Indoor 60m title and the NCAA Outdoor 100m title, cementing his status as one of college athletics’ brightest talents.
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5. He started with football:
Before becoming a sprint sensation, Ajayi played football while growing up in Ikorodu before switching to athletics a decision that transformed his career.
