Kanyinsola Ajayi Becomes First Nigerian Diamond League Podium Finisher

Kanyinsola Ajayi, a 21-year-old Nigerian sprinter, achieved a historic milestone by finishing third in the men's 100m event at the Diamond League finals held in Brussels. He completed the race in 9.97 seconds, placing behind Jamaica's Oblique Seville, who won in 9.90 seconds, and Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme, who finished second in 9.93 seconds.

This accomplishment makes Ajayi the first Nigerian to claim a podium finish in the men's 100m event at the Diamond League. Throughout the season, Ajayi set a new personal best of 9.84 seconds, breaking Olusoji Fasuba’s 20-year-old Nigerian record in the men’s 100m.

Additionally, he won a bronze medal for Nigeria at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, and earlier in the year, he secured the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship titles in both the men’s 60m indoor and 100m outdoor events. Ajayi is expected to return to the United States to continue his studies and prepare for the 2027 season.