- Lachlan Kennedy out of World Championships in Tokyo
- Aussie track sprinter, 21, has a ‘progressing injury’
- Enjoys a heathy rivalry with teenage flyer Gout Gout
A potential all-Aussie showdown between teenage sensation Gout Gout and Lachie Kennedy at the World Championships in Tokyo is now off the table after the 21-year-old withdrew due to a stress fracture in his back.
Kennedy confirmed the devastating news on Instagram.
‘It’s with a heavy heart I have to announce that I will not be competing at this year’s world championships in Tokyo due to a progressing injury,’ the Queensland flyer posted.
‘Grateful for the year and the support I’ve received, I wouldn’t change a thing.
‘I’ll use this time to heal, grow and come back stronger than ever.’
In June, Kennedy became only the second Aussie to break the 10-second barrier in the 100m sprint after recording a sizzling 9.98 at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi, Kenya.
A potential showdown between teenage sensation Gout Gout and Lachie Kennedy (pictured, together) at the World Championships in Tokyo is now off the table
Kennedy confirmed his injury via Instagram (pictured), with his manager Nic Bideau stressing a cautious approach was key
All eyes will be on Gout Gout (pictured, in Monaco) when the exciting youngster competes in Tokyo next month
Patrick Johnson also achieved the feat in 2003, with a head-turning 9.93 at a meet in Japan.
In-form Kennedy showed he is on the rise after snaring a silver medal in the 60m at the World Indoor Championships in China earlier this year.
Additionally, Kennedy stunned Gout Gout in the 200m final during the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne back in March.
Kennedy recorded a personal best time of 20.26, ahead of Gout in 20.30.
After scans confirmed Kennedy’s back complaint, his manager Nic Bideau stressed a cautious approach was key.
‘Lachie was never going to go over to Tokyo just to pick up a tracksuit,’ he said.
‘He’s shown he can compete with the best this year with the 60m silver medal at the World Indoors.
‘He’s got a very big three years coming up leading into the Los Angeles Olympics and we were never going to take any risks.’
Kennedy’s replacement is Rohan Browning, who won the 100m at the national championships in Perth this year.
Australian Athletics will announce its full squad for the world titles on September 1.
