In a thrilling showcase of speed and talent, Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy made their mark at the 143rd Stawell Gift, both securing commanding heat victories in their debut on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The iconic 120-meter race, known for its rich history in Australian athletics, saw Gout clock a time of 12.31 seconds from a 1-meter handicap, while Kennedy, racing from a 0.25-meter backmark, finished in an impressive 12.23 seconds, the third quickest time overall.
Gout expressed his excitement after the race, stating, "It feels great. First time on this track. Can’t wait for the semis and hopefully the finals." His enthusiasm was palpable as he embraced the unique challenge of racing on grass, a first for the young sprinter. "It felt pretty much like I was running on a synthetic track," he reflected. "I guess it was a mental game because I love chasing down people. So this is the type of race I love."
The semi-finals and finals of both the men's and women's Gifts are set to take place on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, with each winner taking home a substantial prize of $40,000. Gout's performance has set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating final, especially with the looming presence of Kennedy, who recently bested Gout in their previous encounter at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne.
Kennedy's post-race comments highlighted his determination, saying, "It’s a little bit daunting when they start so far in front of you. You have to chase them all down. It is incredible. I’m (going to) give it all I’ve got on Monday." His heat victory demonstrated his readiness to compete against the best, further intensifying the rivalry between the two sprinters.
In addition to Gout and Kennedy, the men's heats featured John Evans, who emerged as the fastest heat winner with a time of 12.13 seconds from a 9.75-meter mark. Evans acknowledged the challenge posed by Gout and Kennedy, describing the prospect of racing against them as “pretty scary.”
Defending champion Jack Lacey, who won his heat in 12.44 seconds from a 6-meter handicap, will also be a significant contender in the finals. Lacey expressed his excitement about the competition, stating, "I’m looking forward to seeing how it all plays out on Monday."
The women's heats were equally competitive, with Paris Olympics 100m semi-finalist Bree Rizzo showcasing her talent by winning her heat in 13.91 seconds off scratch. Defending champion Chloe Mannix-Power followed closely, finishing her heat in 13.95 seconds. Frontmarkers Jasmine Rowe and Jemma Stapleton recorded the fastest heat times, clocking 13.74 and 13.75 seconds, respectively.
As the excitement builds towards Monday’s finals, the Stawell Gift continues to capture the attention of athletics fans across Australia. Gout, who is only 17 years old, has already made headlines for his extraordinary performances, including a recent 200-meter win at the Australian Athletics Championships in Perth, where he clocked 19.84 seconds. Although the wind was illegal at 2.2 meters per second, his performance drew comparisons to sprinting legend Usain Bolt, with biomechanical analysis revealing that Gout's maximum step length matched Bolt's record-setting stride.
Dr. Dylan Hicks from Flinders University noted that Gout's unique biomechanics and technical efficiency set him apart from his peers. Gout's average step length during the final 100 meters of the 200m race was 2.69 meters, peaking at an impressive 2.86 meters. Hicks commented, "I believe it is Gout’s unique ability to store and release elastic strain energy via the muscle-achilles tendon unit which provides a greater force amplification effect, allowing Gout to move faster for longer, with less energy cost."
With the Stawell Gift finals just around the corner, fans eagerly await to see if Gout can continue his remarkable ascent in the world of sprinting. His combination of youthful exuberance and extraordinary talent has made him one of the most exciting athletes to watch in the upcoming events. As Gout prepares for the challenge ahead, he remains focused on his goal of becoming a world champion or an Olympic champion.
As the Stawell Gift unfolds, the rivalry between Gout and Kennedy adds an intriguing layer to the competition. Both athletes are eager to prove themselves on the grand stage, making the upcoming finals a must-watch event for sports enthusiasts. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as fans look forward to witnessing the next chapter in the storied history of the Stawell Gift.
In conclusion, the Stawell Gift not only showcases the incredible talent of its participants but also embodies the spirit of competition and sportsmanship that defines Australian athletics. With the semi-finals and finals on the horizon, the excitement is palpable as fans prepare to cheer on their favorites in this historic event.
