‘Be Ready for The Smoke,’ Ajayi Tells Commonwealth Games 100m Rivals
Nigeria’s 100m record holder and NCAA indoor and outdoor champion, Kanyinsola Ajayi, says he is ready to rewrite Nigeria’s story in the men’s blue riband event at the Commonwealth Games.
Ajayi made a huge statement at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meeting in Eugene last weekend, storming to a 9.84 finish to win the 100m event ahead of reigning world champion, Seville Oblique of Jamaica, and former world champion, Christian Coleman of the USA.
The 21-year-old is the second fastest man in the world and second fastest in the Commonwealth, but Ajayi will be the fastest in the line-up in Glasgow when the Commonwealth Games start, with Oblique a conspicuous absence as he was not included in the Jamaican team.
Ajayi’s intimidating form has given Nigerians hope of a first ever gold medal in the event and first medal in 20 years.
The last Nigerian to win a medal in the event was Olusoji Fasuba, the sprinter whose 20-year-old Nigerian record Ajayi broke.
Asked by The Athletic Heat what his 9.84 means ahead of the Games, especially to those who will be competing against him, Ajayi responded: ‘They should be ready for the smoke.’
The Auburn University junior is the overwhelming favourite to end Nigeria’s year wait for the blue ribband gold, just as he did last year in Tokyo when he ended the country’s wait for a 100m finalist at World Athletics’ flagship event, the World Championships, 18 years after Fasuba ran in the finals in Osaka, Japan.
