Nigerian sprint sensation Kanyinsola Ajayi produced a stunning display to win the men’s 100 metres title at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
Representing Auburn University, the junior sprinter powered to an astonishing 9.72 seconds to claim the gold medal in one of the fastest performances ever recorded by an African athlete under any conditions.
However, the time will not count as an official record after being aided by a +2.2 m/s tailwind, slightly above the legal limit.
Despite the wind assistance, Ajayi’s performance further underlined his emergence as one of the brightest sprint talents in world athletics.
Had the wind reading stayed within the allowable threshold, the Nigerian would have moved into serious contention for the African record.
Ajayi dominated the race from start to finish. Exploding brilliantly out of the blocks, he maintained flawless acceleration through the middle phase before surging clear of the field to cross the line in emphatic fashion.
Cayman Islands athlete Jaiden Reid secured the silver medal with a season’s best time of 9.82 seconds, while American sprinter Jelani Watkins finished third in 9.87 seconds.
Ghana’s Mustapha Bokpin also impressed in the highly competitive final, breaking the 10-second barrier with a time of 9.99 seconds to place sixth.
The race, however, ended on a disappointing note for fellow Nigerian Israel Okon, who appeared to suffer an injury during the final.
Okon was visibly clutching his leg before crossing the line and eventually finished ninth.
For Ajayi, the NCAA crown marks another major milestone in a breakthrough season that continues to attract global attention. His latest achievement reinforces Nigeria’s growing influence in sprint events and highlights the country’s resurgence in short-distance athletics.
With the NCAA title now secured and his performances consistently improving, Ajayi has firmly announced himself on the international stage — and at just 20 years old, his rise may only be beginning.
