Maitland hurdler Mitchell Lightfoot’s storming finale at the U20 World Champs in Colombia

He’s the forgetful teenager who just gets better and better, and not even a wild South American electrical storm was going to halt his progress to join the world’s best.

Just three weeks ago Maitland-based hurdler Mitchell Lightfoot was so excited about his first overseas trip that he almost forgot to reserve his seat on the plane.

Thankfully for the 19-year-old he’s well versed in coming from the back of the pack.

After the heartbreak of 2021, where he missed selection in the Australian U20 team, the 110m hurdler has bounced back, culminating with a spot in this week's final at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia.

For his Sydney-based coach of four years, Andy Burton, it’s another step in what has been a fulfilling journey.

Mitchell Lightfoot competes in the Men's 110m final round on day three of the World Athletics U20 Championships Cali 2022 at Pascual Guerrero stadium on August 3, 2022 in Cali, Colombia. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)

“Mitch was always in the target programs run by Athletics NSW. He’s an intelligent hurdler - very driven and self reliant,” Burton said. “He has always taken it upon himself to make the 160km trip to Sydney once a week.

“He was encouraged to transition from 100m to 110m earlier than usual, so he was more than ready when joined the under-20s.”

A quick look at the stats underlines Burton’s point. In the six months leading up to this week’s final in Cali, Lightfoot had lowered his best time from 13.91 seconds to 13.51 with five PBS on the way to claiming the national U20 crown.

Burton couldn’t make it to Colombia, although throughout the heats, he sensed his star pupil was edging towards a grand finale.

“The build up was quite emotional, we spoke online the night before the race. Then a significant storm rolled through just before the race, causing a two-hour delay,” he said.

“It’s often the way at big events, things don’t always go to plan. But Mitch is naturally calm, so I thought it might actually work in his favour.”

But a place on the podium?

“Absolutely, I thought he could medal. They’re all so close,” Burton said.

Tayleb Willis and Mitchell Lightfoot (2R) of Team Australia competes in the Men's 110m final round on day three of the World Athletics U20 Championships Cali 2022 at Pascual Guerrero stadium on August 3, 2022 in Cali, Colombia. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)

When the gun eventually fired, Lightfoot was last out of the blocks. He quickly found form and stormed home finishing fourth. His 13.48 was another PB and enough to edge out Victorian-based teammate Tayleb Willis.

The time is now the second best of all time for an Australian at the U20 world champs.

Looking on from afar, the normally reserved coach couldn’t hide his excitement.

“Mitch did well to beat his good mate Tayleb Willis. He reacted a little slow at the start, but from there he was virtually the quickest hurdler.”

Listening to the experienced coach, there’s a sense this is just the beginning.

“Mitch steps up to open age next season, he’ll be a seriously good hurdler in the opens. The next major meeting is the ACT Champs next January, then the nationals in Perth during March-April.”