Melbourne, Australia; 10 January 2024 - Nina Kennedy’s historic pole vault triumph at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest last August has earned her the Bruce McAvaney Award for the Performance of the Year at the Athletics Australia Awards.
At just 16 years old, Australian track prodigy Gout Gout has made history by breaking one of the nation’s most revered athletic records. Competing at the Australian All Schools Championships in Brisbane, Gout delivered an electrifying performance in the 200m final, clocking 20.04 seconds.
Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, has emphasized the sport’s commitment to innovation after a successful 2024. The year saw record-breaking performances, growing fan engagement, and the debut of a Netflix series that increased the sport’s visibility. At the 236th World Athletics Council Meeting in Monaco, Coe highlighted that athletics regained its position as the top Olympic sport in broadcast reach and outlined plans to maintain this momentum through the Pioneering Change strategy.
A remarkable achievement was made at a recent masters meet in Dublin when 60-year-old Anne Gilshinan, from Wexford, Ireland, set a new world record in the indoor mile for the 60+ age category. She completed the race in 5 minutes and 27 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 5:30.73, set by American runner Sue McDonald earlier this year.
At just 16 years old, Australian sprinter Gout Gout is making waves in the athletics world, with experts dubbing him a once-in-a-generation talent. Known for his smooth stride and electrifying speed, the Queensland teenager has already etched his name into record books. Gout, the son of South Sudanese immigrants, is determined to pave his own path.
Laura Muir, the esteemed Scottish athlete, has recently been granted a European Indoor bronze medal following the disqualification of Russian runner Yelena Korobkina due to doping violations. Korobkina's ban, spanning four years from September 2023, prompted this change in the event standings.
In the pursuit of Olympic glory, Dan O’Brien and Donavan Brazier share a remarkable bond, united by their trials and tribulations. Both have weathered the disappointment of being labeled favorites for Olympic gold, only to stumble before the Games. Think back to 1992, when O’Brien was expected to dominate the Barcelona Olympics in the decathlon. However, a heartbreaking misstep during the trials, failing in the pole vault, shattered his Olympic dreams and denied him a spot on the team.
Authorities have made significant progress in the investigation surrounding the tragic death of Ugandan steeplechaser, Benjamin Kiplagat, as two suspects have been detained to the case. Kiplagat's body was discovered inside a vehicle in the town, prompting swift action from law enforcement in the Moiben sub-county.
Usain Bolt, the legendary Jamaican sprinter renowned for his speed and agility on the track, is contemplating a significant shift in his career trajectory. After exploring professional football and making strides in the world of Dancehall music production, Bolt is now contemplating a potential venture into coaching within the athletics realm.
Celebrations erupted in Bolzano as Nadia Battocletti capped off her outstanding 2023 season with a remarkable victory at the BOClassic. The New Year’s Eve race, traversing Bolzano's iconic cobbled streets, witnessed Battocletti's triumphant run, clocking an impressive 15:30. Her win not only marked a personal triumph but also etched her name in history as the first Italian champion of this race since 1988.
