In a shock move, sprinter Benjamin Richardson is expected to switch allegiance from South Africa to the country of his birth, Ireland.

Richardson’s agent, Jelle Broekhuisen, has confirmed the Irish athletics federation has submitted an application on behalf of the athlete to the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel.

World Athletics permits athletes to switch allegiance only once in their careers, and should Richardson compete for Ireland, he will not be able to represent South Africa again.

As per World Athletics rules, a waiting period of at least three years is normally required from the last time athletes represented their old country.

“The waiting period varies, but we hope it’s no longer than three years,” Broekhuisen told the Citizen.

The waiting period started the last time Richardson represented South Africa at the Olympic Games in Paris in August 2024.

This means the 21-year-old Richardson could be eligible to compete in Irish colours at the 2027 World Championships in Beijing, starting 11 to 19 September that year, and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

He was born in Dublin, Ireland, but was raised in South Africa by his Ghanaian grandparents.

TIYAccording to the Irish Times, Richardson was reportedly unhappy with the support from South African athletics and the South African Olympic Committee, following his injury troubles after the Paris Olympics.

Richardson’s 100m personal best of 9.86 seconds, set in Switzerland in July last year, is the second quickest time ever run by a South African, behind national record holder Akani Simbine (9.82).

He also boasts a personal best of 19.99 in the 200m.

Over 100m and 200m, Richardson’s records are quicker than the respective Irish records of 10.08 and 20.30.