By VIVIAN AHANMISI

Kanyinsola Ajayi, 2026 World Athletics Championships bronze medallist, has credited grassroots support and guidance of his coaches for his rise to international stage.

Ajayi stated this at a news conference organised by the Lagos State Athletics Association on Friday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the parley was in honour of Ajayi’s achievement, as well as to discuss his progress, challenges and future plans in athletics.

The 100m sprinter said the support he received from his coaches, family and community played a key role in shaping his athletics career.

Speaking with NAN in an interview on the sidelines of the event, Ajayi lauded his coach, family and community for their support throughout his athletics journey.

Ajayi said he represented Nigeria and Africa whenever he competed on the world stage.

“I carry the hopes of the people who raised me, the pride of a nation and the strength of a continent,” he said.

He thanked his first coach, Olapade Lawal, for believing in his potential and helping to lay the foundation for his career.

Ajayi also appreciated his family, friends, mentors, teammates and neighbours for their sacrifices, guidance and encouragement.

“No one rises alone. Community is not just a support system; it is the soil that allows us to grow,” he said.

He said hard work and discipline earned him the opportunity to attend Auburn University in the U.S.

The bronze medalist then urged young athletes to make the most of every opportunity and help others rise with them.

“I will represent my country well. I will represent Africa with pride,” he said.

He advised young people to remain grounded in their families and communities and work hard from an early age.

On his part, Solomon Alao, Chairman, Lagos State Athletics Association, said Ajayi’s bronze medal at the 2026 championships had made him a role model for other athletes in Lagos.

He noted that Ajayi’s progress had been inspiring, describing 2026 as a statement year for the young athlete.

“Kanyinsola Ajayi is a role model to all other athletes at the moment in Lagos. His progress so far is just inspiring,” he said.

He said Ajayi had competed at the World Youth Athletics Championships in Cali, Colombia, the African Youth Games in Zambia and other major competitions, including the Commonwealth Games.

“He has been on the rise and 2026 was a statement year for him,” Alao said.

Alao said the association would continue to strengthen its grassroots development programmes to discover more talents.

“Kanyinsola Ajayi’s discovery came from our grassroots development programmes and we will continue to promote those and look for more talents,” he said.

Also speaking, Olapade Lawal, Ajayi’s grassroots coach in Lagos, said she discovered the athlete while he was still playing football and later converted him to athletics.

Lawal said Ajayi initially resisted athletics training, but returned after she encouraged him to continue.

“The first time I saw him, he was playing football. He came for his first training and ran away,” she said.

According to her, she later went to Ajayi’s house and persuaded him to return to training.

“ I told him there is a competition coming, please come. I know you can do it.

”He came back and today, I am happy to see where he is,” she said.

Lawal said Ajayi’s discipline and willingness to listen had contributed to his progress.

“He is a cool-headed boy. He listens and whatever you tell him to do, he does it,” she said.

The coach urged parents and coaches to also support young athletes with training equipment, saying lack of basic equipment should not stop talented athletes from developing.

“Let us keep encouraging athletes. These athletes need our support to get to where they want to be,” she said.

Meanwhile, Akeem Rabiu-Okikioposu, Secretary, of the association commended Ajayi for his dedication, hard work and commitment to athletics.

Rabiu-Okikioposu said Ajayi, who was identified, trained and nurtured by his grassroots coach, had grown into an athlete representing Lagos and Nigeria on the international stage.

He noted that Ajayi’s achievement had shown that Lagos remained a place where talents were identified, nurtured and supported.

“Ajayi represents a generation of athletes who have shown that through dedication, hard work and commitment, the sky is the limit,” he said.

According to him, Ajayi has also become an inspiration to upcoming athletes being trained by coaches across the state.

“Ajayi has brought us hope. He has shown us that everything is possible through dedication and hard work,” he said.

Rabiu-Okikioposu commended Ajayi for being a good ambassador of Lagos and the association, while also acknowledging the chairman and coaches for their support and efforts in developing athletes.

“The best is yet to come,” Rabiu-Okikioposu said. (NAN)

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