Eddie Nketia, the former British sprinter who switched allegiance to Australia, has been selected to make his competitive debut for his new country at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The 27-year-old will compete in the men's 100m and the 4x100m relay, with Athletics Australia confirming his inclusion in the squad on Tuesday.
Nketia's Journey to Australian Team
Nketia, who was born in London to Ghanaian parents, moved to Australia in 2023 and became eligible to represent the nation after meeting World Athletics' residency requirements. He has since been training under coach John Quinn in Melbourne. His personal best of 9.93 seconds in the 100m, set in 2022, makes him a strong contender for a medal in Glasgow.
According to Athletics Australia's high-performance director, Andrew Faichney, Nketia's addition bolsters the team's sprinting depth. "Eddie brings world-class experience and speed to our squad. His transition has been smooth, and we're excited to see him compete for Australia on the Commonwealth stage," Faichney said.
Impact on Australian Sprinting
Nketia's selection comes at a time when Australian sprinting is on the rise. The men's 4x100m relay team, which won bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, will benefit from Nketia's anchor leg experience. He previously helped Great Britain win gold in the 4x100m at the 2022 European Championships.
Nketia expressed his enthusiasm about representing Australia. "It's an honour to pull on the green and gold. I've felt welcomed by the team and the fans, and I'm determined to give my best in Glasgow," he said. The Commonwealth Games will take place from July 28 to August 3, 2026.
