By Ghazali Ibrahim
Ikorodu-born sprint sensation Kanyinsola Ajayi has etched his name into athletics history after clocking a stunning 9.84 seconds in the men’s 100 metres at the NCAA East Regionals in the United States, making him the fastest man in the world so far in 2026.
The remarkable feat saw the 21-year-old break Nigeria’s 20-year-old national record of 9.85 seconds, previously held by Olusoji Fasuba since 2006.
Born on September 14, 2004, and raised in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Ajayi’s journey to global prominence began on local tracks before he emerged as one of Nigeria’s brightest sprint talents. He initially played football before switching to athletics, a decision that would ultimately transform his career.
Ajayi first gained national recognition after dominating the 100m and 200m events at the 2021 Maltina School Games. He later honed his skills under Coach Olapade in Ikorodu and with Arena Athletics Club in Yaba before earning an athletic scholarship to Auburn University in the United States.
His rise through the ranks has been steady and impressive. In 2024, he won the Nigerian national title in the 100m, represented Nigeria at the African Championships, and made his Olympic debut at the Paris Games, where he won his opening heat ahead of defending champion Marcell Jacobs before reaching the semi-finals.
The following year, he became the first Nigerian man since Olusoji Fasuba in 2007 to qualify for a World Athletics Championships 100m final, underlining his emergence as a global sprint contender.
In 2026, Ajayi reached new heights. He matched Christian Coleman’s collegiate 60m record of 6.45 seconds, won the NCAA Indoor 60m title, and then delivered the performance of his career with his record-breaking 9.84-second run.
The achievement has not only crowned him Nigeria’s fastest man ever but has also placed the Ikorodu-born athlete at the top of the world rankings for the season.
For residents of Ikorodu and Nigerians at large, Ajayi’s success is a powerful reminder that world-class talent can emerge from local communities and compete with the very best on the global stage.
