By Ben Efe 2.10.2026
Lagos State Athletics Association on Friday hosted top Nigerian sprinter Kayinsola Ajayi to a reception to celebrate his exploits in recent track and field contests.
Ajayi had his breakout season in 2026 after three years of horning his sprinting skills; he broke the 20-years national 100m record held by Olusoji Fasuba with 9.84 seconds run, emerged the United States NCAA champion in 60m and 100m, won a Diamond League meet and then crowned his season with a bronze medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“We are celebrating one of our own…we are proud to have produced a world beater and we are praying and asking for total support from Nigerians, so that he can go the whole hog to win more laurels for Nigeria,” said Lagos State AA chairman Mr. Dayo Alao.
He urged grassroots athletes who attended the function to emulate Ajayi who despite the limiting environment athletes found themselves in Nigeria to worked hard and remained discipline to reach the world level.
Also present at the gathering was Kayinsola Ajayi’s mother Mrs. Ajayi, Lagos AA technical director Funmi Otegbeye, coaches Femi Daramola, Emmanuel Adegboyega and Lagos State grassroots athletes.
Ajayi a freshman in Auburn University Alabama USA, said he was elated with the reception and the chance to fraternise with the community he discovered his sporting talent.
“I’m deeply appreciative of the support and teachings I received from a young age especially during my high school days, those early lessons shaped my character before the world started watching.
“Also, my first coach Olapade Lawal who saw the potentials in me; her guidance patience and belief helped laid the foundation for everything that has followed.”
He noted that whenever he steps into the track to compete, he realised that he was not just running for himself but for the community, Lagos State and Nigeria: “I represent my country very well, represent Africa with pride.”
Coach Lawal who plucked Ajayi from football praised his strong-willed dedication to training and zeal to compete.
“This is just the start; in the days to come we will see his true potentials, because I know how dedicated, he is in training and he is ever focused.”