BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – Sprinter Kanyinsola Ajayi has become the first Nigerian 100m men’s athlete to secure a podium finish in the Diamond League final after coming third on Friday (4 September) in Brussels, Belgium.
The 21-year-old sprinter, who turned professional this year, ran a blistering 9.97s as World No. 1, Oblique Seville sprinted to the title in 9.90 seconds, holding off a strong field including Ajayi, who had topped him twice earlier in the season. Ajayi finished behind Emmanuel Eseme of Cameroon who came second.
Ajayi takes home a $10,000 cash prize for finishing third in the event’s final. This is also his second podium finish in a major meeting in his debut season, after a similar third-place finish in the Commonwealth Games.
The NCAA champion had defeated Seville twice during the Diamond League season, but the experienced world champion rose to the occasion in Brussels to obliterate the field and claim the golden prize.
Despite entering the final as a wildcard invitee, the Nigeria athlete achieved his 16th career sub-10s performance despite competing against a field that includes both the world and commonwealth champions. The Nigeria’s record 100m record holder, will return to the US following the end of the season to continue his studies and prepare for the 2027 season.
For the Jamaican-born Seville, it was excitement all the way as he told Olympics.com, “It means a lot because this is my first Diamond League title. Each competitor pushed me to go to the line. I am happy for the win.”
Seville was satisfied with his win – and his season overall – but felt his start had been lacklustre. According to him: “My start was far from the best, but the aim is always to win so I won’t complain”, adding, “I didn’t change too much after becoming a world champion. What I was doing clearly worked and this season is further proof of that. Next season, I want to extend my title and dominate the Diamond League.”
The race got off to a rocky start with what appeared to be a false start from American Trayvon Bromell. He was later cleared and the race went off smoothly on the second attempt.
The USA’s Christian Coleman, the 2019 100m world champion, led near the halfway mark, looking strong before fading to sixth and a time of 10.01. Australia’s Lachlan Kennedy (9.99) and South Africa’s Gift Leotlela (10.01) finished fourth and fifth respectively.
The reigning Olympic champ and world leader, American Noah Lyles, who posted a 9.79 at July’s U.S. championships, was not in the field and announced on Friday that he is ending his 2026 season due to injury.
