Ajayi inspires young athletes on homecoming

Nigeria’s record holder in the men’s 100m, Kayinsola Ajayi, has urged young athletes to remain disciplined, committed and ready to maximise every opportunity that comes their way as they pursue their careers.

Ajayi made the call during a brief reception organised by the Lagos State Athletics Association on Friday in recognition of his outstanding achievements on the international athletics stage since emerging as a prospect from the Lagos State-organised championships about five years ago.

Born in Ikorodu, Ajayi has risen from a promising prospect to one of the prominent names in global sprinting in 2026, featuring at the Diamond League, Commonwealth Games and World Ultimate Athletics Championship. In 2024, he reached the semi-finals of the men’s 100m at the Olympics before finishing sixth at the World Championship in 2025.

Drawing from his personal journey, he encouraged young athletes to remain disciplined, committed and connected to their roots, while acknowledging the sacrifices made by his family and coaches.

“Today, I compete not just for myself, but for every young person watching who needs to know that excellence is possible. Represent your country well. Represent Africa with pride. Stay rooted in your community and your family. Work hard early. And when the door opens, work through it with purpose,” Ajayi said while addressing the athletes.

“From a young age, I learned that hard work opens doors. That discipline is what created the opportunity for me to attend Auburn University in the United States. Opportunities do not appear by chance — they are earned through consistent effort, especially when you are still young and the results are not yet visible.

“But here is the most important lesson I want to leave with you: when opportunities come, do not simply be happy to be there. Do not fold your hands and settle for presence. Take advantage of every chance. Work harder. Grow. And while you rise, help the people around you rise too. That is what I chose to do. That decision built the confidence I now carry onto the world stage.”

In his remarks, the chairman of the Lagos State Athletics Association, Dr Solomon Alao, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting Ajayi and other athletes from Lagos State while emphasising the need for sustained investment in the growth and development of athletics.

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“When I saw the grand finale of the World Ultimate Championships, I saw him in the athletes’ lounge with Usain Bolt, Noah Lyles, Sebastian Coe and others. It was a different kind of elation that I had. Growing up, all those stars seemed so far away, but now he has brought that aura home.

“He agreed to be here for these young athletes who are up and coming. We are going to celebrate every opportunity we get. If Kayinsola can make it with very little input, imagine what they can achieve if they are well supported.”

Another highlight of the occasion was the recognition of Ajayi’s mother, Kemisola Ajayi, who was honoured and presented with gifts by the association’s chairman in appreciation of her sacrifices, dedication and invaluable contribution to her son’s success.

Since representing Lagos at the National Sports Festival in 2022, Ajayi has gone through the ranks, competing for Nigeria at the World Athletics U-20 Championships before moving to the collegiate system in the United States with Auburn University.

Ajayi broke Olusoji Fasuba’s 20-year-old Nigerian 100m record of 9.85 seconds in May, clocking 9.84 seconds at the 2026 NCAA Division I East First Round in the United States.

He went on to win the NCAA outdoor 100m title and claimed two Diamond League victories during the season before reaching the final and finishing third in Brussels, Belgium.

Ajayi’s breakthrough year continued at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he won bronze in the men’s 100m and men’s 4x100m relay.