Nigerian sprint sensation Kanyinsola Ajayi produced a stunning performance on Saturday, equalling the national 100-meter record to claim victory at the 2026 Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.
The 21-year-old clocked a blistering 9.84 seconds at the iconic Hayward Field to match his own Nigerian record, securing victory on his Diamond League debut against a world-class field.
Ajayi finished ahead of reigning world champion Oblique Seville of Jamaica, who placed second in 9.89 seconds, while American Christian Coleman came third in 9.95 seconds. Another American, Kenneth Bednarek, finished fourth in 9.96 seconds.
Although Seville made the better start, Ajayi surged into the lead after the 30-meter mark with a powerful acceleration and held on comfortably to win in a race aided by a +0.1 m/s tailwind.
Reacting to the victory, Ajayi said he was pleased with his consistency and execution.
“I feel good, I’ve been consistent. That was part of my goal. Stay on top of it all, stay consistent, come out here and do what I have to do and just execute my race. So I feel good about that,” he said.
The victory caps an outstanding season for the Nigerian, who has already claimed NCAA titles in both the men’s 60m indoor and 100m outdoor events.
Ajayi won the NCAA 100m crown with a wind-assisted 9.72-second performance, placing him joint sixth alongside Jamaican great Asafa Powell on the list of the fastest 100m times recorded under all conditions. Only Usain Bolt, Tyson Gay, Yohan Blake, Obadele Thompson and Andre De Grasse have posted faster times.
