File: Nigerian record holder in the men’s 100m, Kayinsola Ajayi
Nigerian record holder in the men’s 100m, Kayinsola Ajayi, says his breakthrough victory at the 2026 Prefontaine Classic felt no different from competing at the NCAA Championships, insisting the pressure he faced in the collegiate ranks prepared him for the professional stage, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Fresh from winning his first NCAA Outdoor title, Ajayi produced fireworks in the men’s 100m at the 2026 Prefontaine Classic on Saturday, powering to victory in 9.84s ahead of reigning world champion Oblique Seville (9.89s) in a wind reading of +0.1m/s at Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon.
U.S. Olympian Christian Coleman finished third in 9.95s, edging compatriot Kenneth Bednarek, who clocked 9.96s.
It was another statement performance from the Nigerian sprint sensation, who followed up his recent men’s 100m title at the 2026 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships by defeating one of the strongest fields assembled this season.
