Kanyinsola Ajayi has lit up the track at the prestigious Tom Jones Memorial in Florida, storming to a jaw dropping Personal Best (PB) of 9.96s (1.9m/s) to win the men’s 100m. Opening his 2025 season in emphatic fashion, Ajayi didn’t just claim the win he also stamped his name into the history books as the 10th fastest Nigerian man ever over the distance. The time is a World Championships qualifying mark, setting the tone for what could be a breakout season for the young sprinter.
Ajayi’s 9.96s also stands as the fastest time by any Nigerian this season, making it the new Nigerian lead in the men’s 100m. In a field packed with talent and international contenders, Ajayi held his own and came out on top with clinical execution. His run not only signals a return to elite sprinting form for Nigeria but also suggests that the nation’s sprinters are beginning to build serious momentum ahead of global competitions.
Meanwhile, Israel Okon also announced himself on the outdoor scene with a strong showing. Making his outdoor debut for Auburn University, the promising Nigerian sprinter clocked a massive Personal Best of 10.07s (-0.6) to win his 100m heat. Despite the slight headwind, Okon’s performance showed maturity and precision, proving he’s one to watch this season as he builds toward the sub 10 territory.
Together, the performances of Ajayi and Okon at the Tom Jones Memorial signal a bright future for Nigerian sprinting. With Ajayi already qualifying for the World Championships and Okon knocking hard on the door, the nation’s sprint factory seems to be heating up again. If this form continues, Nigeria may yet find itself a formidable presence on the global stage this season.
