In a remarkable display of athleticism and community spirit, the Stawell Gift saw its crowd double from last year, with 6000 eager fans flocking to the small western Victorian town on April 19, 2025. This annual event, known as Australia’s richest footrace, transformed the local oval into a vibrant hub, where spectators filled hotel rooms and squeezed into every available vantage point to witness the heats. The atmosphere was electric, primarily due to one name that echoed through the stands: Gout Gout.
Gout Gout, the young star of the day, did not disappoint. He dominated his heat, clocking a time of 12.31 seconds from a one-metre start. Although this was the twelfth fastest time of the day, Gout’s performance was more about the show than the numbers. With 10 to 20 metres left in the race, he eased off, waved to the crowd, and celebrated by running an extra 100 metres along the fence, high-fiving fans who had come from near and far. His connection with the audience was palpable, as he later spent about an hour signing autographs and taking selfies, embodying the spirit of the event.
“It’s definitely great, just the environment was crazy, and I know it’s going to be even crazier on Monday, so I can’t wait,” Gout expressed, reflecting on the overwhelming support from the crowd. At just 17 years old and still in grade 12, he is still coming to terms with his newfound celebrity status. “I just love all my fans and appreciate everyone who came out – some people come from different states and maybe different countries,” he added, clearly touched by the turnout.
As the heats progressed, another standout emerged: Lachie Kennedy. Running from a 0.25-metre start, Kennedy finished his heat in an impressive 12.23 seconds, marking the third-fastest time of the day. He was all smiles, even poking his tongue out in joy as he crossed the finish line. “It felt pretty good. I mean, it’s my first time running on a grass track, and it felt pretty much like I was running on a synthetic track,” Kennedy said, clearly enjoying the experience.
Kennedy, who previously beat Gout at the Maurie Plant Meet, is now brimming with confidence heading into the finals. “I come into every race thinking I can win. The mindset has always been to win at the end of the day. So [it’s] definitely good for the confidence,” he stated. With a strong belief in his abilities, he is eager to push himself further in the upcoming semi-finals and finals.
“I’ve got heaps more, heaps more left in the tank. Hopefully, we can go even faster in the semi, [and] in the final,” Kennedy added, emphasizing his competitive spirit. He also noted the advantages of starting behind, as it fuels a chasing mentality that can be advantageous in a race.
In the heats, the fastest time was recorded by South Australian John Evans, who completed his race in 12.13 seconds from a 9.75-metre handicap. Following closely was Jasper Thomas from Newcastle, who finished in 12.22 seconds from a 6.5-metre start. The competition was fierce, with each athlete bringing their best to the track.
The women’s heats also showcased incredible talent, particularly from Olympic silver medallist Bree Rizzo. She ran a solid 13.91 seconds from scratch and is eyeing a victory that would echo her husband Matt Rizzo’s triumph in 2017, when he won the gift as an 18-year-old. “It would be lovely to etch Rizzo on the plaques on the streets of Stawell again. Obviously, he absolutely loves the Stawell Gift – it’s so important to him and obviously to me by extension,” Bree remarked, setting her sights on the upcoming final.
Olivia Hastings emerged as the quickest woman of the day, finishing her heat in 13.68 seconds from a 2.75-metre handicap. With the finals fast approaching, both the men’s and women’s events promise to be thrilling spectacles. The women’s final is set for April 21, 2025, at 1.45 PM AEST, while the men’s final will follow at 2.20 PM.
The Stawell Gift continues to be a highlight on the Australian sporting calendar, not just for the competition but for the community it brings together. With Gout Gout and Lachie Kennedy leading the charge, the excitement is palpable as fans eagerly await the finals. As the atmosphere builds, one thing is certain: this year’s Stawell Gift is shaping up to be one for the history books.
