Brisbane sprinter Lachlan Kennedy, who studied in Spring Hill, has become the second Australian to run 100 metres in under 10 seconds while managing type 1 diabetes.
Background and Early Life in Spring Hill
Lachlan Kennedy, 21, grew up in Brisbane and attended St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace. Before focusing on athletics, he was active in junior rugby union, representing local and international teams. His shift to sprinting began in his teens, setting the foundation for his national and international achievements.
Breaking the 10-Second Barrier
On 31 May 2025, Kennedy ran 100 metres in 9.98 seconds at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meet in Nairobi, Kenya. This made him the first Australian since 2003 to officially clock a legal sub-10-second sprint, joining Patrick Johnson as the only two Australians to reach this benchmark.
Kennedy’s preparation included earlier performances in 2025 such as a 10.00-second sprint in Perth and a silver medal finish at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing. His current personal bests also include 20.26 seconds for the 200 metres and 6.43 seconds for the 60 metres.
Managing Type 1 Diabetes in Elite Sport
Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 15, Kennedy competes with the daily demands of glucose regulation. His international tour involved travelling with essential diabetes equipment, including a continuous glucose monitor, insulin pump supplies, and low blood sugar treatments.
Prior to competing at the Prefontaine Classic in the United States on 5 July 2025, his glucose sensor failed. He continued to race using manual testing methods, while also managing a hairline stress fracture. Despite these setbacks, he competed against elite global sprinters.
National Diabetes Week Message
Kennedy’s performance during National Diabetes Week 2025 served to highlight the challenges faced by Australians with diabetes. He has spoken about the mental and physical discipline required to manage the condition, particularly while training and competing at a high level. His journey reinforces the call for wider access to glucose monitoring technologies and insulin pumps, especially for young people and at-risk communities.
Published 22-July-2025