Athletic Heat Pays Tribute to Ajayi, Names Blue-Riband 100m After Sprint Star

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By Maxwell Kumoye

 

Athletic Heat has unveiled a major highlight of its 10th Anniversary Meet, with Nigeria’s national 100m record holder Ajayi Kayinsola set to have the blue-riband sprint event named in his honour.

The men’s 100m will be contested as the Ajayi Kanyinsola 100m Showdown when athletes gather at the Yabatech Sports Complex in Lagos on November 7, 2026.

For Ajayi, the recognition goes beyond his achievements on the international stage. Yabatech holds an important place in his development as a sprinter, having served as one of the venues where he took his early steps in athletics and produced some of his fastest performances as a young athlete.

The Nigerian sprint star returned to the venue for a special unveiling ahead of the anniversary meet and used the occasion to announce a personal contribution towards the growth of athletics.

Ajayi will provide cash prizes for the top eight finishers in the men’s 100m, adding an extra incentive for athletes competing in the headline sprint event.

Athletic Heat CEO Ese Oguma welcomed both the honour and Ajayi’s contribution, describing the sprinter as a natural choice given his history with the venue and his achievements in Nigerian athletics.

“I’m very happy to have Ajayi Kayinsola named after this event. I didn’t see anyone else who could fit this title, not just because he is the national record holder, but also because of his connection to this track.

“Ajayi and I trained under Coach David Sule/Arena Academy on this track, and I’m glad to see how far he has grown. I would also like to say a big thank you for his donation, as there hasn’t been any competition in Nigeria in recent years where the Top 8 are awarded. So it’s a great development and a boost for the athletes.”

The tribute comes during a standout year for Ajayi, whose performances in 2026 have placed him among the leading sprinters on the global scene. His rise has also provided another major spotlight for Nigerian sprinting.

From developing his talent on the same Yabatech track to becoming the country’s national record holder, Ajayi’s career provides a fitting connection between the athlete and the anniversary event.

The Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet will bring together leading Nigerian athletes for a celebration of athletics and the organisation’s decade-long contribution to the sport.

With further event names and athlete tributes expected to be announced in the coming days, Athletic Heat is continuing preparations for what promises to be a landmark 10th Anniversary celebration.

The Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet takes place on November 7, 2026, at the Yabatech Sports Complex, Lagos.

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