Ajayi has secured a historic spot in the men’s 100 metres final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo after delivering one of the standout performances of the semi-finals.
Ajayi clocked an impressive 9.93 seconds to finish second in his heat, narrowly behind defending champion Noah Lyles of the United States, who won in 9.92 seconds. South Africa’s Akani Simbine also made it through from the same heat, crossing the line in 9.96 seconds.
Speaking after the race, Ajayi said he was thrilled to carry Nigeria’s hopes into the final. “It means a lot to be here. I know many didn’t expect me to get this far, but I came ready to compete,” he said.
The 23-year-old’s progress surprised many athletics watchers, as he edged past more established names, including Italy’s Marcell Jacobs, the Tokyo 2021 Olympic champion, who failed to qualify after finishing sixth in his own semi-final.
Ajayi’s qualification ensures Nigeria will be represented among the world’s fastest men, a stage often dominated by the United States and Jamaica.
The other semi-final races lived up to expectations, with Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson storming to victory in 9.85 seconds, just ahead of American Kenny Bednarek. Oblique Seville, also of Jamaica, won his heat in 9.86 seconds, beating Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo who clocked 9.94 seconds. South Africa’s Gift Leotlela grabbed one of the fastest-loser slots with 9.97 seconds.
Ajayi will now line up against Lyles, Thompson, Seville, Tebogo, Simbine, Bednarek, and Leotlela in the eight-man final, with the world title at stake.
“It’s going to be a tough race, but I believe in myself. I’ll give everything I have for Nigeria,” Ajayi added.
The men’s 100 metres final is scheduled for later today in Tokyo.
