American sprinter John Woods could be running for Australia as soon as next year.
Woods, who moved to Canberra in July and has a 100m personal best of 10.16 seconds, was cagey about his future plans after winning the sprint double at the Ron Clarke Classic in Geelong on Sunday.
But Athletics Australia chief executive Danny Corcoran said the 25-year-old Woods had told him that he wanted to become an Australian citizen.
"My understanding is that he is an accomplished sprinter," said Corcoran.
"He told me his intention is to apply for citizenship and we've encouraged him to go through that process.
"If he then gets a passport and he's not blocked (by US Track and Field), he could be eligible next year."
The only three current Australian sprinters with better 100m personal bests than Woods are national record holder Patrick Johnson, Matt Shirvington and Joshua Ross.
Woods, who is a stockbroker, is currently training on his own in Canberra and being coached by Australian Institute of Sport strength coach Ross Smith.
He won the 100m in 10.52 seconds ahead of Nigerian Commonwealth Games representative Anthony Alozie and then claimed the 200m in 21.72.
"I'm not currently a permanent resident but my intentions are to make a new home here," said Woods, while refusing to say whether he had already applied for Australian citizenship.
"... it would be easier (to run for Australia rather than US) but it's not necessarily about finding a shortcut to the Olympics or anything like that."
Such is the depth in US men's sprinting that American officials are highly unlikely to stand in Woods' way if he becomes an Australian citizen
