This WA student broke the 100-metre world record – but it didn’t count
At just 13 years old, West Australian high school student Charlotte Ehioghae outpaced the world record holder in her age group in the 100-metre sprint at a competition held in Perth last month.
But in a cruel twist of fate – the same that befell star sprinter Gout Gout at the very same competition – her record didn’t count.
John Curtin College of the Arts student Charlotte Ehioghae, 13, in the 100m sprint.Credit: Athletics West / Imogen McDonald.
Charlotte’s time of 11.36 seconds was recorded at the 2025 Australian Championships held at WA Athletics Stadium in Perth last month.
The world record holder, Melanie Doggett, ran the 100 metres in 11.53 seconds, meaning Charlotte’s time beat the record by 0.17 seconds.
But an illegal tailwind of +2.5 metres per second disqualified her from officially claiming the title.
Anything more than +2 metres per second means the wind is too strong to be considered legal.
Charlotte said she was still proud of her achievement, having dedicating four days of the week to training outside of school hours.
“I dedicated myself fully, and in the end, I not only achieved my goal but exceeded it,” she said.
“I feel truly amazing being the fastest female in my age group in Australia.
“It’s an incredible achievement, and I know I have the potential to push myself even further.”
Charlotte first got involved in athletics at four years old. The next nine years of her life were spent honing her skills.
“I really appreciate the joy that comes from winning and the strong sense of teamwork. Watching others run, and their dedication is inspiring and motivates me to push myself even further,” she said.
Matthew Donlevy, the director of health and physical education at John Curtin College of the Arts, said he and the school were proud of Charlotte’s success, “including the level of discipline and sacrifice it takes to perform at such an elite level”.
“Charlotte’s success has been shared throughout the school with many staff and students congratulating Charlotte on this wonderful achievement,” he said.
Charlotte said she was “fully committed” to one day competing for the country at the Olympic Games.
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