'I've run a nine!': Aussie jet Lachlan Kennedy snaps 22-year Aussie drought to join sprinting's fastest club
Sprinter Lachlan Kennedy has become just the second Australian – and the first in 22 years – to break the 10-second barrier in the men's 100m.
Competing in the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi, Kennedy ran a sizzling 9.98 seconds (-0.7), to become the first Aussie since Patrick Johnson in 2003 to achieve the feat.
The 21-year-old was unfazed by a false start delay and was the only one at the meeting to go sub-10.
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Lachlan Kennedy became just the second Aussie to go sub-10 in the men's 100m. Anadolu via Getty Images
"I was there to win today and bring it home, and I am super stoked to get the win and the time," Kennedy said.
"It's so good. I can finally say I've run a nine. I haven't wanted to rush it or put the pressure on myself, I take every race as it comes and I knew it would come eventually.
"I've got a good coach, good training partners – shout out to Calab Law, and a good (strength and conditioning coach) and team around me. It's been about trusting the process."
Kennedy beat Olympic medallist Bayanda Walaza and home favourite Ferdinand Omanyala.
Kennedy beat Olympic medallist Bayanda Walaza and home favourite Ferdinand Omanyala. Anadolu via Getty Images
He said the false-start delay did him more good than harm.
"I think there was early movement from someone in the first part of the race, but it actually did me good. It settled the nerves so I was pretty confident out there today," he said.
"I didn't think a nine was realistic until a couple of years ago. When I was still playing rugby but starting to train and realising I had some speed, I made it the goal.
"I'm getting better with every race. It's an advantage to have a long season at home. I'm not getting tired, so I'm looking forward to seeing what I can achieve later in the year as we get closer to the World Championships."
