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19 April 2025
Teenage sprint sensation Gout Gout booked a place in the semi-finals after blitzing his rivals in the 21st heat of the 143rd running of the Stawell Gift.
Gout stormed past his rivals as he clocked a time of 12:31.
Fellow drawcard Lachlan Kennedy also advanced into the semis crossing the line in 12:26, positioning him as the third fastest qualifier.
John Evans ran the fastest time and set himself as the man to beat in the semis with a time of 12:13.
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Tasmanian sprinter Jack Hale ran 12:25 to book his place in the semis.
2024 Stawell winner Jack Lacey also booked a place in the semi finals after surviving two false starts by his rivals.
Gout said after the race the 120m distance suited him.
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“I love chasing people down, this is the type of race I love.”
“Everyone ran really well and I can’t wait for the semis.”
“120 metres literally is a great distance for me, hopefully I can run down a few more people,” he said.
“I reckon I have a bit more in me for the semi so I’ll see what I can do.”
Kennedy, racing in the final heat, admitted it was daunting starting behind the other runners.
“I’m super relaxed, it’s a bit daunting with people starting that far in front of you,” he said.
“I normally have a good start so I’m used to being in front.”
“It’s a heap of fun, the crowd was nuts, I was feeling good and as soon as I knew I was in front I thought I’ll have some fun with it,”
“I enter every race thinking I can win I've watched the gift on tv but being here is a whole different ball game, the atmosphere is incredible.”
“I’ve got heaps more in the tank.”
It was the front markers who stole the show in terms of speed. Adelaide’s John Evans, off 9.75m, posted the fastest time across the 22 heats of clocking 12:134 seconds to edge out pre-race favourite Paddy Martin in Heat 8.
In the Women’s Gift, Melbourne’s Jemma Stapleton was quickest with 13.75 off 11m, just ahead of Jasmine Rowe, 13.74, also off 11m, and Chiara Santiglia (13.86 off 7.75m).
Women’s gift headliners, 2024 winner, Chloe Mannix-Power and Bree Rizzo set the scene in their heats with blistering wins.
The semi-finals and finals of both the mens’ and women’s gifts are on Monday.
