Nigeria’s 100m national record holder Kayinsola Ajayi has challenged young athletes to remain disciplined, embrace their roots and be prepared when opportunities arrive after being honoured by the Lagos State Athletics Association following his outstanding 2026 season.
The 22-year-old, who grew up in Ikorodu, was celebrated alongside his family by the association under the leadership of chairman Dr Solomon Alao, bringing Ajayi back to where his journey towards international prominence began.
Ajayi currently holds Nigeria’s men’s 100m record after clocking 9.84 seconds earlier this year, breaking Olusoji Fasuba’s long-standing national mark. He subsequently matched the time during an impressive season that established him among the world’s leading sprinters.
The Auburn University star also became NCAA 100m champion and enjoyed an impressive international campaign, winning two medals for Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow before securing a podium finish at the Diamond League Final. He later finished fourth at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship.
But during his Lagos homecoming, Ajayi shifted attention away from his medals and towards the young athletes hoping to follow his pathway.
“Today, I compete not just for myself, but for every young person watching who needs to know that excellence is possible,” Ajayi said.
His connection with Lagos athletics stretches back years. Ajayi represented the state at the 2022 National Sports Festival in Asaba, helping Lagos claim gold in the men’s 4x100m relay before progressing to represent Nigeria internationally.
He urged aspiring athletes to appreciate the importance of discipline, family and community while remaining prepared for opportunities.
“Represent the 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,” he added.
An emotional moment came when Ajayi’s mother was also honoured with gifts in recognition of her sacrifices towards her son’s development.
For Ajayi, the occasion completed a remarkable circle: from a promising youngster in Ikorodu to Nigeria’s fastest man, he returned home not simply to be celebrated, but to show the next generation how far their own dreams can travel.
