Eugene Amo-Dadzie calls himself the world's fastest accountant and the number-crunching British athlete ran a superb 9.93-second finish in the 100-metre race at Graz, Austria. 

The 30-year-old full-time accountant, who only started athletics four years ago, improved on his personal best at the Horst Mandl Memorial last week to become the second quickest 100-meter runner in Europe this year. He was a bronze medalist in the 60 metres at the 2023 British National Indoor Championships.

Amo-Dadzie didn’t start competing until he was 26 years old, when he was already a qualified chartered accountant. He competed at the British National Championships for the first time in 2019, finishing fifth in his semi-final.

A Woodford Green athlete, Amo-Dadzie ran a new personal best time over 100m with 10.20 seconds to finish second at the 2021 England national championships in Bedford. In August 2022, he lowered his personal best over 100m to 10.05 in Stratford. This placed him third over 100m with the fastest time by a UK athlete in 2022.

The Daily Morning Sports was fortunate enough to have a chat with the athlete and below is an excerpt from the exclusive interview. 

We follow your inspiring story in Sri Lanka on social media a lot these days. How are you keeping up with your training at the moment?

Training is going really well! Thank God I’ve been able to stay healthy and train consistently. 

The reason behind you taking up sports this late in life?

My best friend Benn is the reason I started late at 26. He asked me why I never tried and I didn’t have an answer. So, I finally decided to give it a chance. 

Are you into athletics by chance or accidentally?

I don’t believe in chance. I believe in God’s plan. I know I’m here for a reason. To give Him glory and show what He can do through me. 

Balancing sports and studies is usually a challenge for someone. How did you manage it?

The balance is hard but I have an amazing wife, family and support team. They help me to be able to pursue this passion. 

Today, you are one of the top British sprinters. Did you participate in any sports during your school days?

In my school days I played a lot of football and also athletics, but it was always just for fun! 

Who is your role model in life? 

I don’t have any particular role model. I’m inspired by people who are courageous enough to follow their dreams but one of my favorite sports people is Lewis Hamilton. 

What advice would you give to future athletes and school children in a South Asian country like ours about balancing education and sports?

To children in South Asia, I’d tell them to have big dreams. To have faith in themselves and always try to be the best version of themselves. No one is better at being you than you!

Explain the importance of life in being a sportsman who is also academically qualified?

I think being a qualified chartered accountant as well as an athlete helps me to have balance and not become too obsessed with athletics. Also it means I don’t have to depend on the sport to pay my bills. 

An athlete is someone who has to make sacrifices. Were you able to find time to train given your commitments in professional life? 

I do have to make a lot of sacrifices but it’s worth it when things go well and you achieve great things.

What are your hobbies?

Outside of athletics I enjoy watching sports, especially Formula 1. I also like baking too. 

What are your impressions of Sri Lanka?

I don’t know much about Sri Lanka I’ll admit but my church has a Sri Lankan community and they brought some food in once, which was delicious and everyone I’ve met has always been very nice. 

What is your most memorable thing in life?

The most memorable thing for me is my faith in God, and marrying my wife. 

What are your future prospects in athletics?

In terms of the future, I just want to continue improving and enjoying athletics. Everything else is a bonus.