The 21-year-old Nigerian record holder finished ahead of a high-quality field, with American Ronnie Baker taking second place in 9.94 seconds and South Africa’s experienced campaigner Akani Simbine third in 9.95 seconds. The wind reading of +0.2 m/s made the time fully legal.
Ajayi’s win marked his 15th career sub-10-second performance and his ninth legal sub-10 clocking of the 2026 season. The result continues an outstanding breakthrough year for the Auburn University athlete, who has rapidly established himself among the world’s leading sprinters.
The Nigerian star set a new national record of 9.84 seconds earlier this season, breaking the long-standing mark of 9.85 seconds held by Olusoji Fasuba since 2006. He has also claimed victories on the Diamond League circuit and consistently produced high-level performances throughout the European summer.
At the Stadio Comunale in Bellinzona, Ajayi controlled the race effectively, reacting well to the gun and maintaining his form through the finish to secure a clear victory over Baker and Simbine. The meeting forms part of the World Athletics Continental Tour and regularly attracts top international talent.
Ajayi’s latest success further underlines the strength of Nigerian sprinting in 2026. His combination of raw speed, consistency and competitive temperament has made him one of the most exciting young talents on the global stage.
The victory in Switzerland adds another positive result to an already memorable campaign as the season moves towards its final major appointments. Ajayi will now look to maintain this high level of performance in the remaining meetings of the year.
With another sub-10 win against experienced international opposition, the young Nigerian has once again confirmed his status as a genuine contender at the highest level of the sport.