Hi! I'm Kelechi Ekwomadu, and I am a sprinter based in regional South Australia.

To learn more about my journey and why I am fundraising, please read on.

I have a goal... To continue representing Australia on the national stage and compete at the 2026 Australian U20 National Championships in Brisbane, April 15-20.

How will I get there? With hard work, dedication, faith, and your support!

But first, how did I get this far? My journey to the national stage.

I first got into athletics at around age 9, drawn in by a simple love of sport and competition. I stepped away for a few years before returning at 14, and it didn't take long before everything clicked. Running a windy 10.8 at age 14 was the moment that changed everything. I dropped soccer, went all in on sprinting, and never looked back.

At my very first major championship in 2023, I won gold in the 100m at the Australian National Championships. I backed that up in 2025 with another national title in the same event. My personal bests currently sit at 10.4 (wind-assisted) and 10.6 (legal) in the 100m, and 21.22 in the 200m. I have also had the honour of representing Australia in the U20 4x100m relay, one of the proudest moments of my athletic career.

I believe sprinting is my God-given gift. I always give God the glory for my performances and achievements, and my faith allows me to focus fully on training, knowing he will take care of the rest.

Where am I now?

While competing for Australia in the U20 4x100m relay, I suffered a Grade 3C hamstring tendon injury at one of the most crucial points of my season. With the right team around me and everyone giving 100%, I was back to full sprinting within 7 weeks. The injury has meant intensive weekly physio, specialist supplements to support recovery, and a disrupted preparation heading into nationals. But I believe in my body and my ability, and I am ready for Brisbane.

It is worth mentioning that I live rurally in South Australia, far from my training facility, my strength coach, and my physio in Adelaide. Getting to and from training is a significant commitment of both time and money every single week, with long travel times each way on top of full school days. I do everything I can to keep costs down, including catching public transport wherever possible, but fuel remains a major ongoing expense just to make training happen.

How can you make a difference?

You can support me by making a TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION, helping to ease the financial pressure that comes with being an elite student athlete, and ultimately allowing me to represent our country on the national stage. All of these costs are entirely self-funded. Any donation, big or small, is genuinely appreciated. Thank you.

How will your donation be spent? Budget breakdown

Flights to Brisbane (return): $510

Accommodation, April 15-20 (shared): $590

Competition registration and entry fees: $450

Physio, injury recovery (over 11 sessions): $760

Annual coaching fees: $1,200

Fuel to training and appointments: $800

Public transport (lead-up to nationals): $60

Recovery supplements and nutrition: $580

Total: $5,000

Accommodation is shared to keep costs down. All expenses are self-funded unless supported by donors like you.

Interested in partnering with me? If you are a business looking to support a local elite athlete, please reach out. I look forward to working with you!