Patrick Johnson’s Legacy Still Untouched
Over two decades have passed since Patrick Johnson blazed down the track in Mito, Japan, clocking a staggering 9.93 seconds in the 100 metres. That feat, achieved in 2003, made Johnson the first and only Australian to ever break the hallowed 10-second barrier—a record that remains untouched today.
Now in his 50s and working as a sports administrator, Johnson reflects on his unexpected longevity in the Australian record books with humility and hope.
“Look, I was the first but I never wanted to be the last,” he told Reuters.
“It's nice to have a few sprinters having a look at it.”
And “having a look at it” they are.
A Golden Era for Australian Sprinting
Despite historically being outsiders on the global sprinting scene, Australia is experiencing what many are calling its greatest era of sprinting talent. The momentum has been building post-Paris Olympics, where Australia won an impressive seven athletics medals—its best haul since 1956.
The revival of domestic interest is tangible. The Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne drew over 10,000 fans, marking the first sell-out for a one-day athletics event in over 20 years. At the heart of the hype are three standout sprinters: Lachlan Kennedy, Rohan Browning, and Gout Gout—each one pushing the boundaries of Australian speed.
Lachlan Kennedy: The Next in Line?
On the Brink of Breaking 10
At just 21 years old, Lachlan Kennedy is leading the charge. His 10.03-second sprint at the Perth Track Classic last month put him just 0.10 seconds away from history—and he did it despite a less-than-perfect start.
Kennedy’s impressive form continued with a 6.50-second finish in the 60m at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, where he placed second. He also shocked fans by beating rising star Gout Gout in the 200m at the Maurie Plant Meet.
Kennedy has made no secret of his ambition:
“The 10-second barrier is definitely on my mind,” he said.
“I’m tipping I’ll do it in Perth.”
Double Ambitions: 200m Glory
Kennedy isn’t just looking to conquer the 100m—he’s also eyeing Peter Norman’s former stronghold: the 200m. His goal? To become the first Australian to run under 20 seconds in the half-lap sprint.
That could set up a fierce rivalry with Gout Gout, who clocked 20.04 seconds at just 17 years old, already breaking Peter Norman’s decades-old national record.
Gout Gout: Teen Sensation Rising
Youth with Speed and Swagger
Gout Gout, just 17, has already made a massive splash in Australian athletics. He ran 10.04 at the Australian schools championship—albeit with a wind reading that made it ineligible for record status.
Nevertheless, Gout’s blistering performances have marked him as a phenom in the making. He’ll compete in the under-20 100m at nationals, giving fans a glimpse of what could be the future of sprinting in the country.
His rivalry with Kennedy, already well underway, has drawn comparisons to earlier generations—most notably the Johnson-Shirvington era.
Rohan Browning: Consistency and Class
Rohan Browning remains a key figure in Australian sprinting. He famously clocked 10.01 seconds at the Tokyo Olympics, making him the second-fastest Australian ever. His consistency and big-meet experience make him a dangerous contender in any race.
Though slightly older than Kennedy and Gout, Browning is far from out of the picture. His participation at nationals will raise the level of competition and keep younger sprinters on their toes.
A Look Back: Shirvington’s Unfulfilled Quest
No discussion of Australian sprinting would be complete without mention of Matt Shirvington, the charismatic five-time national champion who once held the national record with a time of 10.03 seconds.
Shirvington’s drive to break the 10-second barrier became legendary. His Saab’s license plate—"SUB-10S"—was a clear declaration of intent. But despite his dedication and talent, he never achieved the feat before retiring in 2008. Johnson’s 2003 breakthrough was a bittersweet moment, both a triumph for Australian sprinting and a heartbreaking blow for Shirvo.
Pressure at the Top: Johnson’s Words of Caution
While Johnson welcomes a new generation chasing his record, he offers a word of advice to those on the brink:
“There’s always going to be hype with new talent. We like to jump on our stars,” he said.
“The next one will need to be ready for the pressure.”
Johnson himself knows the weight of expectations. In early 2003, he ran a wind-assisted 9.88 seconds in Perth, raising hopes that he would go even faster. But the conditions weren’t quite right. He finally broke the official record in Japan, after some well-earned rest.
The Road to Brisbane 2032
With the Brisbane Olympics in 2032 fast approaching, the timing couldn’t be better for Australian sprinting to flourish. A sub-10 performance by Kennedy, Browning, or Gout could ignite even greater national interest and inspire the next wave of talent.
The stakes are high, but so is the excitement. A new generation stands on the cusp of greatness—faster, stronger, and more prepared than ever before.
Final Thoughts: Will History Be Rewritten in Perth?
The upcoming national championships in Perth could mark a watershed moment for Australian athletics. With conditions looking good and the talent peaking, the long-standing 9.93-second barrier may finally fall.
Whether it’s Kennedy, Browning, or the prodigious Gout Gout who does it first, Australia is watching, and so is Patrick Johnson.
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