Lachlan Kennedy has made Australian athletics history by becoming only the second Australian sprinter to break the 10-second barrier in the men’s 100 metres, achieving an impressive time of 9.98 seconds at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi. His remarkable performance marks the first time an Australian has accomplished this feat since Patrick Johnson did so in 2003.
The 21-year-old athlete remained composed despite facing a false start delay, and he was notably the only competitor at the meet to finish under the 10-second mark. “I was there to win and bring it home, and I’m super stoked with the win and the time,” he expressed after his victory. “It’s fantastic to finally say I’ve run a nine. I’ve tried not to rush or put too much pressure on myself; I take each race as it comes, and I knew this day would eventually arrive.”
Kennedy attributed his success to his solid support system, which includes a good coach and reliable training partners, giving a shout-out to fellow athlete Calab Law. “It’s all about trusting the process,” he noted.
In his race, Kennedy triumphed over notable competitors, including Olympic medallist Bayanda Walaza and local favourite Ferdinand Omanyala. He remarked that the initial false start ended up benefiting him, as it calmed his nerves before the race. Reflecting on his journey, he mentioned, “I didn’t view running a nine as realistic until a few years ago, especially while I was still playing rugby. I knew I had speed and made it my goal.”
With an eye on the future, Kennedy is optimistic about the upcoming races, anticipating he’ll continue improving as he prepares for the World Championships later this year. “I’m getting better with every race, and having a long season at home without feeling fatigued is an advantage,” he added.
Kennedy’s achievement not only places him among Australia’s elite sprinters but also inspires a new generation of athletes aiming for similar heights in the sport.