Eddie Osei-Nketia: From NZ to Australia | Athletics News

New Zealand Sprint Star Eddie Osei-Nketia Switches Allegiance to australia

Auckland-born Eddie Osei-Nketia, New Zealand’s record holder in both the 100 and 200 meters, has officially completed his switch to represent Australia in international competition, a move announced on Thursday. The 24-year-old sprinter, currently competing for the University of Southern California (USC), expressed his ambition to contribute to Australia’s success on the world stage, with a particular focus on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

A New chapter for a Rising Star

Osei-Nketia’s decision marks a significant gain for Australian athletics. He articulated his goals for his new athletic home, stating, “My goal with Australia is to break both the 100m and 200m record and also help the relay team to not just make the finals – also to earn a medal in the big stage, and with the team I believe it’s possible.” He emphasized his commitment to representing Australia across all major championships, including the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and World Relays.

Did you know? – Osei-Nketia’s father, Gus Nketia, was also a prominent sprinter for New Zealand, holding the national 100m record before his son surpassed it. The family has a strong legacy in the sport.

Record-Breaking Pedigree

the athlete’s talent is already well-established. Osei-Nketia clocked a personal best of 10.08 seconds in the 100 meters at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon, surpassing the previous record held by his father, Gus. Australian Athletics celebrated his arrival, posting on social media, “The 10.08-second man joins the nation’s rising sprinting stocks. This is going to be fun.” He further cemented his status as a world-class sprinter in May, setting the new Zealand record in the 200 meters with a time of 20.24 seconds at an NCAA West preliminary rounds meet in College Station, Texas.

Pro tip: – Switching national allegiance in athletics requires approval from World Athletics, the sport’s governing body. Osei-Nketia’s transfer signifies a completed and approved process.

A journey to Australia

Osei-Nketia’s path to representing Australia wasn’t without its challenges. After being left off the New Zealand team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he briefly pursued a career in American football, signing as a wide receiver for the University of Hawaii in 2023. Though, his passion for track and field ultimately led him back to the sport and to USC.He affirmed his dedication to his new nation, declaring, “I am 100% with Australia from here on out.”

This transfer of allegiance signals a renewed focus for Osei-Nketia, and Australian athletics fans will be eagerly anticipating his debut representing his adopted country.

Reader question: – What impact do you think this switch will have on the competitive landscape of sprinting in Australia, and how will it affect New Zealand’s team?

Why, Who, What, and How did it end?

Why: Eddie Osei-Nketia switched allegiance to Australia to pursue greater opportunities and achieve his goals of winning medals on the world stage, especially at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He felt a stronger path to success representing Australia.

Who: Eddie Osei-Nketia, a 24-year-old sprinter previously representing New Zealand, is the central figure. Australian Athletics and the University of Southern California (USC) are also key players.

What: Osei-Nketia officially completed his transfer of allegiance from New Zealand to Australia, allowing him to compete for Australia in international track and field events.

How did it end?: The process concluded with official approval from World Athletics,