What happens when a chartered accountant brings the same level of dedication and commitment to the track as they do to their spreadsheets?

Eugene Amo-Dadzie has brought his accountant’s sense of precision, accuracy, and attention to detail to his running career. He ran his first ever sub-10 second 100-metre sprint – in 9.93 seconds – at the World Athletics Continental Tour in Graz, Austria, on 16 June 2023. The performance etched his name in the record books as the fourth quickest time ever by a Briton.

This extraordinary feat not only showcased Amo-Dadzie’s raw speed but also highlighted his unparalleled dedication to both his professional career and his athletic pursuits.

“I’ve worn a GB vest, been on a world stage and all these different things, but getting that qualification is still one of my proudest moments,” Amo-Dadzie says, underscoring the significance of his achievements. He emphasises his commitment to inspiring others through his journey. “I keep saying that I’m a ‘9-5er’, that I’m a champion of civilians, because I refuse to believe that I’m the only individual capable of having a story like this.”

Continuing this commitment, Amo-Dadzie welcomed new ICAEW members at Chartered Accountants’ Hall at the ICAEW New Members’ Ceremony in April 2024, where he gave a speech to recently qualified chartered accountants.

Amo-Dadzie recalled the trade-offs he made and discipline he needed to pass all 15 ACA exams. He achieved this goal in 2018, the year he also decided to launch his sprinting career.

A lot of that dedication comes from his upbringing. Amo-Dadzie was raised in East London by Ghanaian parents, who emphasised the importance of hard work and determination.

“My parents were always big on telling me that I need to work twice as hard. Because you’re a young black guy you need to work ten times harder than your counterparts,” he adds.

Amo-Dadzie also spoke to an ICAEW Black Members Community event in April, which revealed his commitment to passing that message to others.

Follow Amo-Dadzie’s journey in this hub, as we celebrate his remarkable achievements, both on and off the track to uncover the secrets behind his success. From his early beginnings to his record-breaking performances, Amo-Dadzie’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring accountants and athletes alike.