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Sprinter Eddie Osei-Nketia says he won't regret decision to represent New Zealand

May 26, 2019

The 18-year-old has made up his mind to represent New Zealand over Australia.

Kiwi sprinting sensation Eddie Osei-Nketia has revealed his family played a big part in him deciding that he will run for New Zealand.

The 18-year-old announced today he will don the New Zealand singlet at next month’s Oceania Championships in Townsville.

"I had to talk to my mum, dad, brothers, sisters and coaches about this decision," said Osei-Nketia.

"They always told me to go where my heart belongs.

"I think it is a very good decision and I won't be regretting it in the future."

Osei-Nketia said he had received lot of attention after winning the men's 100m title at the Australian Athletics Championships last month.

"I've got to be brutally honest everybody is like, 'hey Eddie' – people that used to ignore me."

His father Gus Nketia sprinted for NZ in the 1990's, after previously competing for Ghana.

The 18-year-old today confirmed he will race for NZ at next month’s Oceania Championships in Townsville.

Gus still holds the NZ record of 10.11 seconds, with his son's best time at 10.19 seconds.

Osei-Nketia was based in Australia for the last few years which made him eligible to represent Australia but the sprinter has decided to stay loyal to his roots.

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