Gout Gout, Lachlan Kennedy, fly through Stawell Gift heats

Australian sprint sensations Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy have put on a show at the Stawell Gift, flying through their respective heats – and making an impression as they do.

He came, he saw, he doubled the crowd, kissed the hallowed turf and then Gout Gout delivered a memorable Stawell Gift moment.

The teenage sprint sensation once again lived up to the hype, sending Central Park into a frenzy by winning his heat and ensuring the eyes of Australia will be watching the finals on Easter Monday.

Gout cruised in his first introduction to handicap racing. He clocked 12.31sec and fellow drawcard Lachlan Kennedy looked just as good, running 12.23sec to win the next heat.

Normally the Easter Saturday crowd at Stawell barely ticks over 3000, but this year it pushed 6000 and no one was left in any doubt who they were here to see.

Gout Gout wins heat 21 of the Powercor Stawell Gift. Picture: Getty Images

Before he’d even been introduced for his heat, kids were chanting his name and banging on fences around the historic oval.

After his usual pre-race routine which includes kissing the ground, Gout, who was off 1m, had the field covered just after half-way and then did a royal wave with his left hand as he crossed the finish line.

He then veered hard right to avoid crashing into the fence and still managed to high-five fans as he kept running for another 30m.

Lachlan Kennedy and Gout Gout embrace following the Stawell Gift heats. Picture: Getty Images

“It felt pretty good, I mean, it’s my first time running on a grass track and it felt pretty much like I was running on a synthetic track,” Gout said.

“I guess it was a mental game, because I love chasing down people. So this is the type of race I love and this is a type of way I appreciate.

“120 (metres) is literally like one of the perfect distances for me because the hundreds, obviously, I don’t get that much time to get up to my top speed.

“I get that extra 20 metres here, it’s definitely great and hopefully I can run down a few more people.”

Rather than shy away from the hype, the 17-year-old – who last week ran an incredible wind-assisted 19.84sec to win the national open 200m titlein Perth – said he was able to harness the attention in a good way.

“This is what athletics needs, especially in Australia,” Gout said.

“And I just love all my fans and appreciate everyone who came out, some people come from different states and maybe different countries.

“I’m pretty used to it (celebrity) I mean, it still hasn’t fully sunk in yet. You know I’m still a kid, 17 years old, in high school in grade 12 so it is what it is and I just deal with it.”

Kennedy, who ran the second fastest time by an Australian – 10.00sec at last week’s national championships – shut down in his heat with 40m to go and had time to poke his tongue out to the crowd.

Lachlan Kennedy easily won heat 22 of the Stawell Gift. Picture: Getty Images

“As soon as I knew I was in front, I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m gonna have some fun with this’.” Kennedy, who is off 0.25m, said.

“I’ve watched this Gift many times, even before I started doing track, you always watch this as it’s a great event.

“It’s got a whole lot of history behind it and I’m just honoured to be able to run here and be able to put on a show.

“I’ve got heaps more in the tank and hopefully we can go even faster in the semi and the final because I’m going to have to.”

South Australia’s John Evans (9.75m) was the fastest heat winner in 12.13sec with Newcastle’s Jasper Thomas (6.5m) 12.22sec next and Kennedy third-fastest.

Tasmania’s Jack Hale (2.25m) was fourth-fastest with 12.25sec while Gout’s time was the 12th fastest of the day.

Originally published as Gout Gout, Lachlan Kennedy, fly through Stawell Gift heats