Ajayi Motivates Young Athletes During Homecoming

Kayinsola Ajayi, Nigeria’s record holder in the men’s 100m, has urged young athletes to stay disciplined, committed, and ready to grab every opportunity as they chase their dreams.

Ajayi shared this message at a reception organized by the Lagos State Athletics Association on Friday. This event celebrated his impressive achievements in international athletics since he first shone at a Lagos State championship around five years ago.

Ajayi, who hails from Ikorodu, has grown from a hopeful talent to a well-known name in sprinting by 2026. He has competed in the Diamond League, Commonwealth Games, and the World Ultimate Athletics Championship. In 2024, he made it to the semi-finals of the men’s 100m at the Olympics and finished sixth at the World Championship in 2025.

Drawing from his own experience, Ajayi encouraged young athletes to be disciplined, committed, and stay connected to their roots. He also recognized the hard work of his family and coaches.

“Today, I compete not just for myself, but for every young person watching who needs to know that excellence is possible. Represent your country well. Represent Africa with pride. Stay rooted in your community and your family. Work hard early. And when the door opens, work through it with purpose,” Ajayi told the athletes.

“From a young age, I learned that hard work opens doors. That discipline is what created the opportunity for me to attend Auburn University in the United States. Opportunities do not appear by chance, they are earned through consistent effort, especially when you are still young and the results are not yet visible.

“But here is the most important lesson I want to leave with you: when opportunities come, do not simply be happy to be there. Do not fold your hands and settle for presence. Take advantage of every chance. Work harder. Grow. And while you rise, help the people around you rise too. That is what I chose to do. That decision built the confidence I now carry onto the world stage.”

Dr Solomon Alao, chairman of the Lagos State Athletics Association, spoke about their support for Ajayi and other athletes from Lagos State. He stressed the need for ongoing investment in athletics.

“When I saw the grand finale of the World Ultimate Championships, I saw him in the athletes’ lounge with Usain Bolt, Noah Lyles, Sebastian Coe, and others. It was a different kind of joy that I felt. Growing up, those stars seemed so far away, but now he has brought that aura home.

“He agreed to be here for these young athletes who are up and coming. We are going to celebrate every opportunity we get. If Kayinsola can make it with very little support, imagine what they can achieve if they are well supported.”

Another important moment of the event was the recognition of Ajayi’s mother, Kemisola Ajayi. She was honored with gifts from the association’s chairman for her sacrifices, dedication, and valuable role in her son’s success.

Since representing Lagos at the National Sports Festival in 2022, Ajayi has climbed the ranks, competing for Nigeria at the World Athletics U-20 Championships before moving to Auburn University in the United States.

In May, Ajayi broke Olusoji Fasuba’s 20-year-old Nigerian 100m record of 9.85 seconds, clocking 9.84 seconds at the 2026 NCAA Division I East First Round in the United States.

He went on to win the NCAA outdoor 100m title and secured two Diamond League victories during the season. He reached the final and finished third in Brussels, Belgium.

Ajayi’s standout year continued at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he won bronze in the men’s 100m and men’s 4x100m relay.