How Ajayi's Bronze Medal Inspires His Community

Kayinsola Ajayi just won a historic bronze medal in the men’s 100m at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The Nigerian athlete is shining the light on the community that helped him succeed.

At just 21 years old, Ajayi is the first Nigerian man in two decades to win a Commonwealth Games medal in this prestigious event. He hopes his win will encourage young people from Ikorodu and other areas in Nigeria to aim high.

“It doesn’t matter where you come from. You can do it,” Ajayi told PREMIUM TIMES after receiving his bronze medal in Glasgow on Wednesday.

This message comes as Lagos focuses on grassroots sports development.

Under the leadership of Director General Lekan Fatodu, the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) is pushing for reforms that center on grassroots sports, identifying talent, athlete welfare, and building better pathways from schools and local communities to elite sports.

As part of this plan, Lagos will host the first National Intermediate Games. The Commission is also working to improve access to sports facilities, set up talent hubs across the state’s five IBILE divisions, and strengthen ties with schools, parents, and community clubs to ensure promising athletes are spotted early and supported.

Ajayi’s journey started before some of these changes, but he shows how much talent exists in places like Ikorodu when young athletes are given a chance to grow.

“I feel great about it,” he said. “People always say, ‘Ikorodu to the world,’ and I’m proud to be part of that. It feels good to know you’re putting Ikorodu on the map.”

Ajayi believes that where an athlete comes from should not decide their success.

“Some people think that because you’re from Ikorodu, you can’t make it, but that’s a big lie,” he said. “If you’re disciplined, you know what you’re doing, you trust yourself and trust God, everything will work out. It doesn’t matter where you come from. You can do it.”

A Historic Moment

Ajayi’s bronze medal ended Nigeria’s long wait for a men’s 100m medal at the Commonwealth Games. This achievement confirms his place as one of Africa’s fastest sprinters after an impressive season.

But Ajayi said he arrived in Glasgow with bigger dreams.

“I went out there with the mindset of becoming the first Nigerian man to win gold in the 100m at the Commonwealth Games,” he said. “I wanted to win so badly. I really wanted that gold. But I’m grateful to come away with a medal.”

This performance capped a memorable year where Ajayi broke the Nigerian record, equalled it twice, and won back-to-back victories on the Diamond League circuit.

“I’m proud of myself,” he said. “I’m on the right path and doing the right things. I’m consistent, and that’s part of being a good athlete.”

Staying Grounded

Even with his rising fame, Ajayi says staying humble is key to his success.

“After the race, I just go back to my normal self,” he said. “I don’t feel like I’m bigger than anybody. At the end of the day, you have to humble yourself. You don’t have to let all of that get into your head.”

At just 21, the Commonwealth medallist believes he is just starting out.

“I still have a lot of time. I’m only 21, so I have to keep working, keep trusting myself and keep trusting God.