Eddie Nketia, a 24-year-old sprinter who switched allegiance from New Zealand to Australia, has been tipped by his American coach to become one of the world's greatest-ever sprinters. The University of Southern California assistant coach Brenton Emanuel said Nketia's raw power and determination could see him challenge the likes of Olympic medallists Noah Lyles and Fred Kerley.
Nketia turned heads last week with a wind-assisted 9.84 seconds in the 100m at a US college meet, the fastest time ever run by an Australian, though it did not count for record purposes due to excessive tailwind. His official personal best stands at 10.08 seconds.
Emanuel compared Nketia's muscular frame to that of former world record holder Asafa Powell, and described his strength as unique. 'He could make 400lb on squat look like nothing,' Emanuel said, adding that Nketia is like 'The Incredible Hulk' but needs to focus on technique rather than muscling everything.
Nketia, who grew up in Canberra playing rugby union, switched from New Zealand to Australia in December after a fallout with Athletics NZ. He aims to break Australian national records in the 100m and 200m, and dreams of individual and relay medals at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
His first chance to represent Australia could come at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games this year. 'Of course I want to achieve an Olympic gold medal but, like, any medal will do,' Nketia said. 'It would be a beautiful thing to bring to the green and gold.'
