Toowoomba sprinter Jai Gordon demolishes 57-year-old record

In a strange twist of fate, a Toowoomba sprinter broke a 57-year-old national record on the same day its previous ‘holder’ was laid to rest. Find out  the key to Jai Gordon’s success here.

Jai Gordon set the 100m record at the 2023 UniSport Nationals.

A Toowoomba sprinter has smashed a 57 year old national record.

Jai Gordon lowered Olympic sprinter Gary Eddy’s 10.40 second 100m mark at the UniSport Nationals.

The 19-year-old ran 10.37 in the competition semi-final before besting the mark with a brisk 10.28 run in the final a day later.

“Initially I didn’t know I broke the record, I was just relieved as I thought I ran a slow race,” Gordon said.

“I was just thinking about placing and getting through to the next race, as that’s my mindset in big meets.

“When you break a record or get a personal best it’s a definitely a nice extra.”

Reflecting on his accomplishment, and the previous record holder, Gordon said it was a ‘weird’ feeling.

“I broke his (Gary Eddy) record on the same day as his funeral, so it was a weird feeling,” he said.

“I felt a bit awkward, but also very humbled knowing that I am continuing his legacy.”

The former Toowoomba Grammar School and current UniSQ student said visualisation plays a huge role in his performances.

“Fortunately as a QAS athlete, I’ve got access to a sports psych and I’ve been working on visualisation, especially post my recent injury (right calf tear and achilles tendinitis), so it was very influential for me.”

Gordon will head to the Australian training camp as apart of the 4x100m side, ahead of the Oceania relays.