- Fastest ever recorded by an Aussie sprinter competing on Australian soil
Australian sprinting has a new headline act after 22-year-old Queenslander Lachlan Kennedy broke the 10-second barrier on home soil with a blistering 9.96-second run in Sydney.
The 22-year-old burst from the blocks, surged clear early and crossed at Sydney Olympic Park, stopping the clock in record-breaking time.
It marked the fastest 100m ever run by an Australian in Australia and placed him just three hundredths shy of Patrick Johnson’s long-standing national record of 9.93.
‘Honestly, I didn’t really even expect it. I was just super relaxed, not cruisy, I was definitely pushing it, but it just felt easy,’ Kennedy said.
‘I think I got a bit more in the tank, but good to see I’m in good form.’
‘Honoured to be the first to do it in Australia. I’m sure we’ll have way more in the future. No-one can ever take that away from you, so I’m certainly glad it was me.’
Lachlan Kennedy made history by becoming the first Australian to break the 10-second barrier on home soil in Sydney
The 22-year-old Queenslander clocked a stunning 9.96 seconds in the 100m heats at the national championships
Kennedy and Gout Gout share a fierce but friendly rivalry that is driving Australian sprinting to new heights
The performance sent shockwaves through the meet, not just for the time itself, but for what it represents in the rapidly evolving landscape of Australian sprinting.
Much of the spotlight in recent seasons has centred on teenage prodigy Gout Gout, widely touted as the future of the sport.
But Kennedy has quietly and now emphatically forced his way into the conversation.
The pair have developed a fierce but respectful rivalry, particularly over 200m, with Kennedy getting the upper hand in recent showdowns, including back-to-back wins at the Maurie Plant Meet in 2025 and 2026.
While Gout has captured headlines, Kennedy’s consistency, explosive starts and composure under pressure are rapidly turning him into Australia’s most complete sprint threat.
And on Friday night, he delivered the biggest statement yet.
Commentary icon Bruce McAvaney summed it up simply: ‘What an extraordinary young talent he is.’
Kennedy, however, was quick to temper the hype, making it clear his job is far from finished.
‘I’m here to win that national final,’ he said.
‘I’m here to get my first national championship, so saving the best for tomorrow.’
‘I’ve definitely got more in the tank, but what a great way to start the comp.’
