Ajayi takes bronze in men's 100m at Commonwealth Games

Nigerian sprinter Kayinsola Ajayi won a bronze medal in the men's 100 meters final at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, finishing third in a dramatic race contested in heavy rain at Scotstoun Stadium on Tuesday, July 28. Cameroon's Emmanuel Eseme stormed to gold in a new Games record time of 9.83 seconds, while Australia's Lachlan Kennedy claimed a surprise silver with a time of 9.85 seconds. Ajayi, the 21-year-old national record holder, clocked 9.90 seconds.

Entering the final as a leading contender after twice defeating reigning world champion Seville Oblique earlier in the year, Ajayi was in contention for silver until the final 20 meters. It was then that Eseme, a 32-year-old who only took up track and field eight years ago, produced a stunning late surge to win. Eseme expressed surprise at his record-breaking performance, stating that while the weather was challenging, all athletes competed in the same environment. His time eclipsed the previous Commonwealth Games record set 28 years ago.

Ajayi's bronze marks the fourth time a Nigerian has medaled in the men's 100m at the Commonwealth Games, placing him alongside legends like Olusoji Fasuba, Uchenna Emedolu, and...