Eddie Nketia runs faster than any Australian ever, but it doesn't count

Eddie Nketia has burst onto the Australian sprinting scene with a blistering 9.84-second 100m performance at a meet in the United States. While the time won't be officially recognized as a national record due to a tailwind exceeding the legal limit, it still signifies a major emergence for the 24-year-old. Nketia, who only recently switched his athletic allegiance from New Zealand to Australia in December last year, has already made his mark by being named in the 4x100m squad for the World Athletics Relays.

This performance, though unofficial, sends a clear message to his competitors and fans alike. Nketia himself posted on Instagram, "Australian record soon," indicating his ambition to etch his name into the record books. He has already proven his capability by holding the New Zealand national record of 10.08 seconds, a mark he broke that was previously set by his father, Augustine 'Gus' Nketia. This familial legacy in sprinting adds another layer to Nketia's compelling story.

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Australian record soon

While Western media might focus on the technicality of the wind reading, for Australian athletics, this is a moment of excitement and anticipation. Nketia represents a new wave of talent, and his potential to challenge existing records is a significant development for the sport Down Under. His journey from New Zealand to Australia, and his clear determination to succeed, makes him a compelling figure to watch as he aims to make his mark on the international stage.

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You set an example of how kiwis can fly. I knew it wasn’t going to be a easy road since everyone in New Zealand wanted to break your national record. There was times I wanted to quit but deep down we all know you and I would’ve been disappointed that it wasn’t me who broke the record like you wanted me to. All the hard work has paid off and I’m thankful that it was you that was holding it for 28 years. That [gave] me the perseverance and courage to one day break it and keep it in the Nketia family.