Diamond League: Kayinsola Ajayi equals national record again in London

Nigeria's sprint sensation Kayinsola Ajayi continued his stellar 2026 season by equalling the national men's 100 metres record for the third time this year. Ajayi achieved this feat at the Novuna London Athletics Meet, the 11th event of the Wanda Diamond League, crossing the finish line in 9.84 seconds.

He edged out reigning world champion Oblique Seville of Jamaica, who finished second with a time of 9.87 seconds. Ajayi's compatriot, Romell Glave, secured third place with a personal best of 9.97 seconds. This victory further cements Ajayi's emergence as one of the world's fastest sprinters, having now defeated Seville twice in consecutive Diamond League meetings.

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Ajayi stormed to victory in 9.84 seconds, edging reigning world champion Oblique Seville of Jamaica, who finished second in 9.87 seconds, while compatriot Romell Glave claimed third in a personal best of 9.97 seconds.

The 21-year-old Nigerian demonstrated remarkable composure against a world-class field, consistently matching his national record of 9.84 seconds. He has recorded this time in Kentucky, Eugene, and now London, showcasing an exceptional level of consistency that positions him as a strong medal contender in major international competitions.

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The 21-year-old Nigerian once again demonstrated remarkable composure in a world-class field, matching his national record of 9.84 seconds for the third time this year.

Ajayi's breakthrough season has seen him erase Olusoji Fasuba’s long-standing national record and win the NCAA men's 100m title. His recent successes on the Diamond League circuit confirm his status as a genuine force in world sprinting. With the athletics season ongoing, Ajayi is well-positioned to challenge for more accolades and potentially lower the national record further.

In other events, Nigeria's Ezekiel Nathaniel finished fourth in the men's 400m hurdles with a time of 48.30 seconds. Ajayi's latest triumph provides a significant boost for Team Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, establishing him as one of the country's most promising medal prospects.

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Having now equalled the national record three times and twice defeated the reigning world champion on the sport’s biggest one-day circuit, the Nigerian has established himself as one of the country’s brightest medal prospects.