Ajayi Kanyinsola delivered a sensational performance in the men’s 60m heat, clocking a blistering 6.48s to not only set a new personal best but also equal the Nigerian national record. The young sprinter’s electric run saw him comfortably advance to the final, where he was joined by fellow countrymen Sunday Isreal, who won Heat 1 with 6.54s, and Adekalu Nicholas Fakorede, who came in third with a ‘q’ at 6.56s, further solidifying Nigeria’s presence in the short sprints. With all three athletes making it through, the stage was set for a thrilling final.
It was a double podium finish for the Auburn duo in the title race, Ajayi Kanyinsola proved his consistency, clocking 6.52s to secure a silver medal in a tightly contested battle. His compatriot, Sunday Isreal, matched the time exactly but settled for bronze, ensuring a double podium finish for the Auburn duo. Meanwhile, Adekalu Nicholas Fakorede put up a strong fight in the final, clocking 6.59s. As a Freshman (FR), this is an elite evel time, placing him among the top young sprinters in collegiate track and setting him up as a top contender for the outdoor season.
This remarkable performance highlights Nigeria’s growing dominance in the indoor 60m event, as these athletes continue to break barriers and challenge international competition. Kanyinsola, now a joint national record holder, has steadily improved his times, proving he is a force to be reckoned with. Meanwhile, Sunday Isreal’s rapid progression and ability to thrive in high pressure races further signal a bright future.
With Kanyinsola, Isreal, and Fakorede all delivering sentilating performances, this competition serves as a prove to their dedication and hard work, as well as a sign of Nigerian sprinting’s bright future on the global stage.