Lachlan Kennedy of Australia has claimed a historic silver medal in the 60 -meter world interior championships in the world of athletics after being sent by gold in an abrasor ending in Nanjing, China.
Kennedy stopped the clock in 6.50 seconds in the final, only 0.01 behind the Gold medalist of Great Britain, Jeremiah Azu.
Aulty Ironine from South Africa took bronze at 6.54.
It is the first time that an Australian won a medal in the event in the World Athletics Championship.
Kennedy, 21, was also making his debut on the interior boards, since he had only previously run in outdoor meetings.
“I have pleased even if I didn’t get the victory,” said Kennedy, whose time was an interior national record.
“My goal was to go 6.4, but I did not understand it at all, but 6.50 is the next closest thing. I will take it at the end of the day.”
Kennedy won his heat in 6.52, before registering 6.54 in his semifinal to end in second place with the American Ronnie Baker.
“I know I can do much more, this is just the beginning,” Kennedy said.
“I am a bit annoying, I did not win, but I definitely get the next best option.
“Running three events, with eight hours among them it was weird for me, but in the heat I came across and I almost fell after crossing the finish line.
“When I got to the semifinals, I doubted and tightened a little and then I thought: ‘If I fall in the final, I fall,’ I simply did.”
Kennedy will focus on the outdoor season while seeking to dive less than 10 seconds during the 100 meters.
His best personal moment is 10.03 and will compete at the Maurie Plant Meet next Saturday night in Melbourne.
Queenslander’s performance in China illustrates the growing depth in male sprints in Australia, with the 200m teenage specialist drop, the holder’s law.
In another part of Nanjing, Georgia Griffith of Australia reached the 1,500 meters of women, finishing second place in their heat with a better staff of 4: 09.78.
AAP/ABC
