Australia-bound sprinter Eddie Nketia ran 100m in 9.74 seconds at a US college meet, but the wind was well over the legal limit, so the time cannot count as an Australian record.

Nketia, formerly with New Zealand and now competing for Australia after switching allegiance, aims to post a legal personal best and challenge the all-time Australian 100m mark.

The performance came amid ongoing progression under coach Brenton Emanuel, with diet and physique tweaks seen as contributing to his rapid rise.

Nketia expressed optimism about further improvement and potential future achievements after these performances.

USC coach and Athletics Australia officials say legal times are the goal, noting that Nketia could shell out sub-10-second legal marks with favorable conditions.

There is potential for Nketia to contribute to Australia’s 4x100m relay at major events, including the World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, alongside teammates such as Gout Gout and Rohan Browning.

Nketia is focused on improving to a legal personal best and pursuing international opportunities after college, including possible appearances in Europe.

His plan includes more collegiate meets this season with hopes of legal sub-10 times and Olympic prospects for 2028.

Longer-term, Nketia envisions competing globally after college and challenging the world’s best sprinters.

Analyses highlight Nketia’s progress and the aim to set legally recognized Australian records beyond wind-affected marks.

The development around Nketia is drawing attention to Australian sprinting ahead of the 2028 Olympics, with American collegiate competition helping elevate Australian athletes and the potential to push Australia toward a new national record.

Despite the wind, Nketia remains determined to post a legal personal best and to go after the actual record on a future occasion.