Eddie Osei-Nketia: NZ to Australia – Athletics Switch Explained
USC Sprinter Eddie Osei-Nketia Switches Allegiance to Australia
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Published December 5, 2023
Rising Star Joins Australian Athletics
Eddie Osei-Nketia, the New Zealand record holder in both the 100m and 200m, has officially completed his transfer of allegiance and is now eligible to compete for Australia, as confirmed on Thursday. The 24-year-old sprinter, currently training at the University of Southern California (USC), aims to contribute to Australia’s success in major international competitions, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Record-Breaking Performances
Osei-Nketia’s personal best in the 100m stands at 10.08 seconds, achieved at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon, surpassing the previous record held by his father, Gus.He also holds the New Zealand record in the 200m with a time of 20.24 seconds, set in May during an NCAA West preliminary rounds meet in College Station, Texas, while competing for USC.
A unique Path to the track
Osei-Nketia’s journey to representing Australia has been unconventional. 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 with the University of hawaii Rainbow Warriors in 2023 before returning to track and field at USC. He affirmed his commitment to Australia, stating, “I am 100% with Australia from here on out.”