Kanyinsola Ajayi, Nigeria’s sprint sensation, has hailed his 2026 season as a period of growth and achievement, despite finishing fourth at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest. He recorded a time of 9.93 seconds in the men’s 100-metre final, tying with American Ronnie Baker, who took bronze after a photo finish. Kenny Bednarek won gold in 9.85 seconds, with Oblique Seville claiming silver in 9.90 seconds.
Ajayi expressed his satisfaction with the season, stating, “It was a good fight. I put in all my effort, I put in my best.” Although his start wasn’t ideal, he remained proud of his performance.
The season began strongly for Ajayi, who secured a sprint double at the NCAA Championships, winning the indoor 60m title in 6.45 seconds and the outdoor 100m crown with a wind-assisted 9.72 seconds. He regarded his NCAA victory as a major highlight: “Winning the NCAA was the best, also the London Diamond League.”
Ajayi set a new Nigerian 100m record by running 9.84 seconds, surpassing Olusoji Fasuba’s previous record of 9.85. He also achieved two significant victories over reigning world champion Seville during the season, including at the London Diamond League, which he described as “the best.”
At the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Ajayi claimed bronze after finishing third in 9.90 seconds, behind Cameroon’s gold medallist Emmanuel Eseme, who set a Games record of 9.83 seconds. While he was pleased to make history as Nigeria’s first men’s 100m Commonwealth medallist in 20 years, he had aimed for gold.
After three seasons at Auburn University, Ajayi turned professional in August, signing with Adidas. He noted the new lifestyle as a professional has introduced him to the rigours of international travel: “It’s so funny, travelling around the world, getting to see people.” Competing against top sprinters worldwide has accelerated his development.
In Budapest, Ajayi reached the final after clocking 10.00 seconds in the semi-finals. His fourth-place finish, just 0.004 seconds behind Baker, was significant as it marked his 17th sub-10-second performance of the season, showcasing his consistency.
Now that the season has concluded, Ajayi is focused on recovery and plans to return home for a well-deserved break before shifting his attention to 2027. He believes discipline played a key role in his success: “If you follow the plan, if you keep your plan, everything is just going to work out for you.”
Looking ahead, Ajayi hinted at a potential move to take the 200m more seriously, having already set a personal best of 20.93 seconds. Confident in his ability to excel across events, he stated, “Many people are doubting, but those who don’t see this yet, they’re going to be surprised, I promise.”
Ajayi’s 2026 season exceeded his outcome in Budapest, as he became an NCAA champion and a Nigerian record-holder, defeated the world champion twice, won Commonwealth bronze, and established himself as a consistent sub-10-second sprinter. Although his season ended with heartbreak in Budapest, it also highlighted how close he is to reaching the top tiers of athletics. With the inaugural Ultimate Championship offering substantial rewards, Ajayi is keen to recover and elevate his performance further as he looks towards the next Olympic cycle.
