Kanyinsola Ajayi's tremendous 2024 season so far has been crowned with the national title after winning the Nigeria Olympic trials in Benin.
In a star-studded competition against more experienced sprinters, Kanyinsola Ajayi claimed his first national title in the men's 100m final at the Nigeria Olympic trials in Benin.
The Auburn University freshman maximized the absence of Favour Ashe and Godson Brume (Nigeria's fastest runners in the 100m this season), ensuring he was not to be denied of the bragging rights against his other senior competitors.
He held his form to the finish line in an impressive 10.14s (0.0) ahead of Alaba Akintola in 10.16s, while defending champion Usheoritse Itsekiri was third in 10.22s.
Ajayi has been a big revelation this season since relocating to the USA on scholarship as a student-athlete. He has made giant strides in the NCAA and now blazed his way to national recognition.
The 19-year-old started the year with a 10.26s Personal Best (PB) but has smashed it to 10.01s, announcing himself as a future speed king in the event.
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In addition, his first college year ended by becoming the South Eastern Conference (SEC) 60m champion, with his best performance so far coming at the NCAA Championships where he stormed to the third position, running his blistering PB.
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Despite his impeccable achievements, Ajayi is yet to hit the automatic Paris Olympics qualifying standard of 10.00s. However, with a last chance at the African Championships later this week, the talented speedster will be gunning to make it a reality.
Ajayi's national feat in Benin is just the foundation for what more he has to offer, and if he continues at this pace, Nigerians can be excited about the birth of their new speed king primed to be a world-beater in a few years.