Nigerian sprint sensation Kanyinsola Ajayi made a resounding statement at the 2025 Tom Jones Memorial in Gainesville, Florida, clocking a blistering 9.96 seconds (+1.9 m/s) in the men’s 100 metres. The 20-year-old not only launched his outdoor season with a career-best performance but also stamped his presence on the global stage, becoming the second-fastest man in the world this year.

Ajayi’s electrifying run, which marked his first sub-10 performance, places him in an elite league of sprinters and signals a promising campaign ahead. His time is currently bettered only by South Africa’s Akani Simbine, who clocked 9.90s (-1.4 m/s) in Gaborone on April 12. Ajayi’s performance ties him with Jamaica’s Ackeem Blake, who also ran 9.96s (+1.7 m/s) on the same day in Kingston.

The Gainesville final showcased a high-caliber field of emerging American talents, making Ajayi’s victory even more impressive. He surged ahead of LSU’s Jelani Watkins (10.03s), T’Mars McCallum (10.04s), and Kalen Walker (10.06s), all recognized as top collegiate prospects. The entire final was stacked, with all eight finalists clocking sub-10.20 times—testament to the race’s depth and quality.

Additional finalists included Sam Blaskowski (10.09s), Myles Thomas (10.13s), Xavier Butler (10.15s), and Deron Dudley (10.17s), rounding out a race that was both fast and fiercely contested.

Ajayi's result carries historic weight in Nigerian athletics. By dipping under the 10-second mark, he becomes only the 14th Nigerian man to achieve the feat and now ranks 10th on the country’s all-time list, tied with Raymond Ekevwo, who also ran 9.96s (+1.6 m/s) in 2019. He joins a prestigious group that includes national record holder Olusoji Fasuba (9.85s), Divine Oduduru (9.86s), and Godson Brume (9.90s), among others.

His mark earned a World Athletics performance score of 1220, equaling that of Blake’s identical time and surpassing other sub-10 marks recorded so far in the 2025 season. This score, which factors in wind conditions and field strength, highlights the exceptional nature of Ajayi’s achievement.

Among athletes under the age of 21, Ajayi now holds the fastest 100m time in the world for 2025, reinforcing his reputation as one of the sport’s most exciting young prospects.

With his explosive start to the season, Kanyinsola Ajayi has not only broken personal barriers but also positioned himself as a name to watch on the road to major championships. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Nigerian star to see just how far—and how fast—he can go.