How Ajayi Lost Diamond League 100m Crown Despite Fast Start

Kanyinsola Ajayi had the Diamond League Final title within his sights on Friday night, but a blistering start ultimately counted for little as the Nigerian faded in the closing stages to finish third in the 100m at the Memorial Van Damme in Brussels, Belgium.

Ajayi exploded from the blocks and was firmly in the fight for victory through the first 60 metres. His 1.86-second opening 10m was the third-fastest in the field, while his 3.82 at 30m was second only to Christian Coleman’s 3.78. He remained second at both 40m and 50m, clocking 4.71 and 5.58 seconds respectively, before reaching 60m in 6.44, just 0.01 behind eventual winner Oblique Seville.

But the Nigerian could not maintain that pace over the final 40 metres. Seville pulled clear to win in 9.90 seconds, while Emmanuel Eseme produced a stronger finish to take second in 9.93. Ajayi crossed the line third in 9.97, just 0.07 seconds behind the Jamaican world champion.

The ‘bronze’ was nevertheless another historic achievement for the 21-year-old, who became the first Nigerian man to contest the 100m final of the prestigious Diamond League Final.

Ajayi earned that opportunity after a breakthrough Diamond League campaign in which he became the first Nigerian man to win a 100m race in the series, claiming victories in Eugene and London before securing his place in the season-ending final in Brussels.

While the Diamond League title slipped away in the final metres, Ajayi’s season still has one major chapter left. He will now turn his attention to the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest, Hungary, next weekend, where he will have another opportunity to claim a major title and the $150,000 winner’s prize.