Lachlan Kennedy, a 21-year-old sprinter from Brisbane, has garnered attention after becoming the first Australian in two decades to run a 100 metres race in under 10 seconds. His historic time of 9.98 seconds in Nairobi makes him only the second Australian ever to achieve this feat, following Patrick Johnson’s record-breaking run in 2003 when Kennedy was just six months old.
Following his groundbreaking performance, Kennedy received a wave of congratulatory messages from fellow athletes, including Gout Gout, who expressed admiration for his sub-10-second accomplishment. Kennedy had been vying with Gout and Rohan Browning to break this significant barrier, coming close earlier this year with a time of 10.03 seconds at the Perth Track Classic.
Prior to Kennedy’s run, Gout had also shown promise, clocking 9.99 seconds twice during the under-20 national championships, though both times were marred by illegal wind conditions. In that same competition, Kennedy recorded a close 10.00 seconds in legal conditions, setting up a compelling rivalry as they pushed each other to new heights. Browning, a notable figure after his performance at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, made a comeback in Perth, finishing closely behind Kennedy with a time of 10.01 seconds.
Kennedy’s victory in Kenya saw him finish ahead of notable competitors, including reigning junior world champion Bayanda Walaza. His achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment for Australian athletics, as it underscores a revival of sprinting talent in the country with several promising athletes emerging.
Reflecting on his historic run, Kennedy noted the advantages of racing at high altitude in Nairobi, where the thinner air likely contributed to his speed. However, he remains grounded about his abilities, stating he always anticipated running under 10 seconds this year. He describes his rivalry with Gout as friendly, with both athletes motivating each other to improve.
Looking ahead, Kennedy plans to continue his training in Italy before competing at the Golden Spike Meet in Czech Republic and the Prefontaine Classic in Oregon. His sights are set on the upcoming world championships in Tokyo, where he hopes to make a significant impact.
Overall, Kennedy’s remarkable achievement comes alongside a growing sense of excitement for Australian sprinting, signalling a bright future for the sport in the nation.