21-Year-Old Kanyinsola Ajayi Stuns World Champion in 100m Dash
Nigerian sprint prodigy Kanyinsola Ajayi achieved a historic victory at the Prefontaine Classic on July 4, 2026, winning the men’s 100m in a stunning 9.84 seconds. The 21-year-old defeated world champion Oblique Seville, equalling his own Nigerian national record and marking a significant breakthrough in his Diamond League debut, capping an impressive season for the athlete.
Nigerian track and field sensation Kanyinsola Ajayi made a resounding statement on the global stage, stunning the athletics world with a historic victory in the men's 100m at the prestigious Prefontaine Classic. The event, held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday, July 4, 2026, saw the 21-year-old Auburn University sprint prodigy clock a blistering 9.84 seconds, securing first place in his Diamond League debut.
Ajayi's remarkable performance saw him defeat reigning world champion Oblique Seville, who finished second with a time of 9.89 seconds. Former world champion Christian Coleman took third in 9.95 seconds, just narrowly ahead of Kenneth Bednarek's 9.96 seconds. This stellar time of 9.84 seconds not only secured him the win but also equalled the Nigerian national record he had previously set in May at the NCAA East Regional Championships. This earlier achievement had seen him surpass Olusoji Fasuba’s long-standing national record of 9.85 seconds, which had stood since the 2006 Doha Grand Prix.
Despite a stronger start from the blocks by Oblique Seville, Ajayi showcased his incredible acceleration, powering past the Jamaican athlete around the 30-meter mark and maintaining his lead to the finish line. Reflecting on his landmark victory, Ajayi expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I feel good, I’ve been consistent. That was part of my goal—to stay on top of it all, stay consistent, come out here and do what I have to do and just execute my race.”
The 21-year-old sprinter, who hails from Ikorodu, has been enjoying an exceptional season. Prior to his Prefontaine Classic triumph, he had already claimed titles at the 2026 NCAA Indoor Championships in the 60 metres and the 2026 NCAA Outdoor Championships in the 100 metres. His NCAA 100m victory marked him as only the second Nigerian to achieve this feat, following Divine Oduduru in 2018. This latest win at the Prefontaine Classic further solidifies what is proving to be a breakthrough year for Nigerian sprinting, with Ajayi emerging as a prominent figure in the sport.