Australian sprinter Lachlan Kennedy has made history by clocking 9.98 seconds in the 100m final at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi, Kenya, becoming only the second Australian to break the 10-second barrier after Patrick Johnson’s 9.93 seconds in 2003.
Kennedy’s landmark run earned him a gold medal and placed him in one of the most exclusive clubs in athletics. The 21-year-old Queenslander, who manages type 1 diabetes, described the race as a moment of pure joy and a culmination of years of effort.
Despite challenging track conditions, Kennedy felt relaxed and confident, attributing his success to a strong mental state and supportive Australian athletics culture. He expressed excitement for future races and vowed continual improvement, aiming eventually to surpass Johnson’s national record.
Kennedy’s rise highlights the resurgence of Australian sprinting, with emerging talents like Gout Gout and Rohan Browning also making waves. Kennedy’s milestone not only showcases his own athletic prowess but also signals a promising new era for Australian track and field.
For a visual of Kennedy’s historic run, you can watch the race here:
