Leah O’Brien, 17, broke a 57-year-old national record in the 100 meters, making her another sprint sensation for Australia going into the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane. The local star raced an incredible 11.14 (+1.7) in the Under 18 Girls 100m Final at the Australian Athletics Championships in Perth. O’Brien nearly missed the podium in the final, breaking sprint icon Raelene Boyle’s Australian under-18 record of 11.20, which was set at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.
With Gout Gout, the world’s fastest man in the 200-meter event this year, World Indoor Championsh ips winner Lachlan Kennedy, and Australia’s fastest lady Torrie Lewis all competing in the senior events, many anticipated the track to be especially fast. This makes for an interesting weekend. The national record, set in January 2024, is 11.10, which is Lewis’ personal best.
But O’Brien now looms as a future challenger to her throne, having done the double in the junior events. She won the Under 18 Girls 200m title with a 23.37 (-1.1) on Saturday, standing on the podium ahead of Thewbelle Philp (11.35 in the 100m) and Amaya Mearns (11.45) in both events.
O’Brien stated, “I honestly thought my race in the heats [11.46] was a really good time, and I maybe expected to go 11.3 in the final, but I’m so happy because I have been working really hard for that.” “The Open girls run around that time, which is crazy to be running that still in high school.”
In the Under-18 girls’ rankings, O’Brien is currently the ninth-fastest person in the world and tied for fourth place overall among Australians. Although Sally Pearson specialized on the 100-meter hurdles, her PB is comparable to Pearson’s. “I intend to return and compete in the Opens. Top Australian beauties like Bree Masters and Torrie Lewis are people I greatly admire. I’m constantly admiring their Instagram videos and pictures; they’re so amazing and motivating,” O’Brien remarked.
With so many of my loved ones around, this is undoubtedly the strongest support system I have ever experienced. It’s wonderful to share this moment and the joy with the people I care about. “I believe I’ve really made an impression, and I hope to be considered for teams in the future.” Gout will compete in Saturday’s men’s 200-meter heats and Sunday night’s final.
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