Nigeria’s sprinting sensation Kayinsola Ajayi announced himself on the global stage with a stunning victory in the men’s 100 metres at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League in Eugene, Oregon.
The 21-year-old produced a sensational run on Saturday, equalling the Nigerian record with a time of 9.84 seconds to defeat a world-class field that included Jamaica’s Oblique Seville and American star Christian Coleman.
Seville finished second in 9.89 seconds, while Coleman placed third in 9.95 seconds as Ajayi delivered a composed and powerful finish in his Diamond League debut.
The Auburn University athlete’s performance further confirms his breakthrough season, having earlier this year become Nigeria’s fastest man in history after setting a new national record of 9.84 seconds.
He also won the NCAA 100m title in 9.72 seconds, though that performance was wind-assisted and not record-legal.
Ajayi’s latest triumph, achieved under legal conditions, strengthens his growing reputation as one of the world’s leading young sprinters ahead of upcoming global championships.
In the women’s 100m hurdles, Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan also impressed, finishing second in 12.34 seconds behind American Masai Russell, who won in 12.24 seconds.
Amusan, a former world champion, continues her strong season with consistent Diamond League podium finishes, including victories in Rabat and Paris earlier in the year.
