The American coach tasked with refining Eddie Nketia's raw power believes the little-known Kiwi-turned-Aussie has the potential to become one of the world's greatest-ever sprinters.
The 24-year-old turned heads last week when he clocked the fastest 100m ever run by an Australian with a flying wind-assisted time of 9.84 seconds at a US college meet. It didn't count for record purposes because the tailwind exceeded the legal mark of 2m per second.
Nketia's potential
With a muscular frame likened to that of former world record holder Asafa Powell, paired with focus and determination, Nketia is being tipped to make it big on the international stage.
"That was just a preview of what he's capable of doing," University of Southern California track and field assistant coach Brenton Emanuel said.
Nketia, who grew up in Canberra playing rugby union, switched allegiance from New Zealand to Australia last December after a fallout with Athletics NZ and has an official 100m PB of 10.08.
He has made no secret of his desire to break the national 100m and 200m records and is dreaming even bigger, setting his sights on individual and relay medals at the 2028 LA Olympics.
Coaching staff's confidence
Emanuel and USC head coach Quincy Watts - an Olympic 400m gold medallist in Barcelona - insist those goals are well within Nketia's reach.
"We've talked about this within our staff ... Eddie could be one of the best who've ever done it as a whole," Emanuel said.
"I can't say he'll be the best in the world because obviously Usain Bolt was an anomaly, but I definitely think Eddie has a long career in track and field.
"We've made some changes to his diet and his physique and stuff like that, and I think it's paying off."
Asked to clarify whether he truly believes Nketia could challenge the likes of Paris Olympic medallists Noah Lyles and Fred Kerley, Emanuel doubled down on his bold statement.
"He has the potential. I can't guarantee anything but I think he can give those guys a run for their money," Emanuel said.
"The things I see on a daily basis in practice - he is so powerful and so strong, it's very unique.
"There's no one else that I can think of that's built like him.
"Maybe Asafa Powell was, but Eddie has different things he brings to the table and I think he could be considered one of the greats."
Training and technique
Emmanuel likens Nketia to The Incredible Hulk, saying he "could make 400lb on squat look like nothing", such is his power in the gym.
Harnessing that power is where Nketia's improvement can come as he seeks to further develop his speed out of the starting blocks and technique over his last 20m.
"Work ethic-wise he is phenomenal," Emanuel said.
"I've never asked him to work harder - it's more about 'don't muscle everything' because he can be the Incredible Hulk and he's a very strong kid.
"On the track it's more about just focusing on the little things because he's still learning.
"While I'm teaching him I feel like he's a sponge and he just soaks everything up."
Nketia's ambitions
Encouraged and motivated by Emanuel's high praise, Nketia insists he has put his troubles with Athletics NZ behind him as he eyes this year's Glasgow Commonwealth Games as his first chance to represent Australia.
All going to plan, it could also be a stepping stone towards greatness.
"My goal is to put a name out there," Nketia said.
"Of course I want to achieve an Olympic gold medal but, like, any medal will do - not just individuals but for the relays as well.
"It would be a beautiful thing to bring to the green and gold."
