In the heart of Victoria, excitement is building as two of Australia’s brightest sprinting talents, Gout Gout and Lachie Kennedy, have both secured their spots in the semi-finals of the prestigious Stawell Gift. The event, which is renowned for being the richest foot race in Australia, kicked off on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Central Park in Stawell, and these young athletes did not disappoint their fans.
Gout Gout, the 17-year-old sensation, made a stunning debut in the 120-meter race, starting with a 1-meter handicap. His explosive speed was on full display as he surged past his competitors to clinch victory in his heat with a time of 12.31 seconds. The crowd erupted in cheers as Gout showcased his remarkable talent, leaving spectators in awe. “It feels great. First time on this track. Can’t wait for the semis and hopefully the finals,” he expressed joyfully in an interview with Seven after his impressive run.
Meanwhile, Lachie Kennedy, who faced a slightly less daunting handicap of 0.25 meters, also triumphed in his heat, clocking an impressive 12.23 seconds. His performance positioned him as the third fastest qualifier overall. The commentator noted, “Looked like he was smiling for the last 10 or 15 metres,” highlighting Kennedy’s ease and enjoyment throughout the race. After his heat, he shared his excitement, saying, “I had heaps of fun, it’s a little bit daunting when they start so much in front of you ... the atmosphere, the crowd here, it’s incredible.”
As the competition heats up, all eyes are on the semi-finals, which are set to take place on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 12:43 PM, followed by the final at 2:20 PM. The anticipation is palpable as fans eagerly await to see if Gout and Kennedy can continue their winning streak and vie for the coveted title.
John Evans emerged as the fastest qualifier of the day, clocking a blistering 12.13 seconds, making him the runner to beat heading into the semi-finals. Defending champion Jack Lacey also advanced, having won his heat with a time of 12.40 seconds. The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown as these athletes prepare to battle it out on the track.
Behind the scenes, Gout Gout’s participation in the Stawell Gift has been made possible through the generous sponsorship of local businessman Sandy McGregor, who invested $50,000 to bring Gout to the event. McGregor, known for his previous investments in sports, believes Gout is worth every cent, predicting he will generate significant ticket sales for the event. “I’d give him $100,000, I think he’d be worth every cent. He will generate at least 50 grand in ticket sales,” McGregor stated confidently.
McGregor has a rich history in the sporting world, having been one of the owners of Prince Of Penzance, the 2015 Melbourne Cup winner. His commitment to supporting athletes is evident, as he has previously funded international runners to participate in the Stawell Gift. His belief in Gout’s potential is clear: “We caught him before he became famous. He had just started running quickly, and I saw it in the newspaper and rang up his manager and asked them to come to Stawell.”
The Stawell Gift is not just a race; it represents a significant cultural event for the local community. Tickets for the final on Easter Monday are nearing a sellout, a testament to the excitement surrounding Gout and Kennedy’s participation. McGregor likened Gout’s impact to that of famous racehorses, stating, “It is like Black Caviar going to Adelaide, and they sold the joint out [30,000 people].”
As the event progresses, the anticipation continues to build. Channel Seven will broadcast the races live, with the final scheduled just before the highly anticipated AFL match between Geelong and Hawthorn, ensuring that Gout Gout’s performance will be seen by a larger audience. Bruce McAvaney, a renowned commentator, will be on hand to call the action, alongside Jason Richardson, adding to the excitement of the day.
With Gout and Kennedy both in the mix, the Stawell Gift promises to be an unforgettable event. The semi-finals will see these young stars face off against each other, and with both athletes in top form, fans are eagerly speculating on who will take home the title. The last 20 meters of the race could be crucial, as McGregor noted, “I would not be surprised if there is not much in it between him [Kennedy] and Gout on the line.”
As the community rallies behind their local heroes, the Stawell Gift stands as a celebration of talent, determination, and the spirit of competition. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the event, and fans are counting down the hours until they witness history in the making.
In conclusion, the Stawell Gift is shaping up to be a landmark event, with Gout Gout and Lachie Kennedy poised to make their marks on this storied race. As both athletes prepare for the semi-finals, the excitement is palpable, and the local community is ready to rally behind their champions. With the promise of exhilarating races and the potential for record-breaking performances, the Stawell Gift 2025 is an event not to be missed.
