Cameron Spencer captured the moment at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre as Lachlan Kennedy made history during the heats of the men’s 100 metres at the Australian Athletics Championships. The young sprinter clocked an impressive time of 9.96 seconds, marking a significant milestone as the first Australian to break the 10-second barrier on domestic soil.
The 22-year-old athlete from Queensland is set to advance to the semi-finals and finals scheduled for tomorrow. Kennedy’s remarkable performance in the first heat showcased his potential, as he expressed surprise at his achievement. “Honestly, I didn’t really expect it. I felt relaxed, and although I was pushing myself, it felt effortless,” he stated.
He acknowledged that he may have even more to offer in future races, expressing pride in being the first Australian to achieve this feat. “It’s an honor to be the first to do it here. I’m sure many more will follow. No one can ever take that away from me, and I’m delighted it was me,” he remarked.
The conditions were favorable, with a calm evening and a slight tailwind of +0.2, allowing Kennedy to break the 10-second mark for the second time in his sprinting career. His previous best was 9.98 seconds, achieved in Kenya in May 2025.
Following his race, he celebrated enthusiastically with fellow competitors, fully aware that while this accomplishment was significant, his ultimate goals were still ahead. “I believe I have so much more to give… this is just the beginning,” he noted. “Although the conditions today were excellent, my main aim is to win the national final and secure my first national championship, saving my best for tomorrow.”
As he heads into the semi-finals and finals, Kennedy is considered the frontrunner, with the national record of 9.93 seconds set by Patrick Johnson within his sights. “I don’t like to limit my potential, but I hope to break that Australian record tomorrow,” he said confidently.
In addition to his 100 metres pursuits, Kennedy will also compete against Gout Gout in the men’s 200 metres, adding to the excitement surrounding the championships.
Top 5 all-time Australian men’s 100 metre times
