‘I Feel Good’: Ajayi Reacts After Equaling His Nigerian Record With 9.84 in Eugene
Nigerian sprinter Kanyinsola Ajayi was ecstatic after storming to a 9.84s victory in the men’s 100m at the Prefontaine Classic, equaling his Nigerian record and making history on his Diamond League debut.
The reigning NCAA champion delivered a flawless performance, outpacing reigning world champion, Jamaica’s Oblique Seville and former world champion Christian Coleman.
Ajayi reflected on his achievement with pride, saying: ‘I feel good, I’ve been consistent. That was part of my goal, stay on top of it all, stay consistent, come out here and do what I have to do and just execute my race. So I feel good about that.’
Seville, who entered the meet as the world leader after his 9.82 at the Jamaican Championships, finished second in 9.89. He admitted afterwards: ‘It wasn’t that bad. I don’t think that’s my best race because I might have executed a better race than the race I ran, but I’m glad that I am healthy.’
Christian Coleman of the United States came third in 9.95, but the night belonged to Ajayi.
His triumph makes him the first Nigerian man to win a 100m Diamond League event, reviving memories of Seun Ogunkoya’s Golden League victory in Zurich in 1998.
