17 year-old Leah O’Brien was the real crowd-pleaser this past weekend. During the Australian Junior Athletics Championships, she broke a 51-year-old Australian record in the 100 meters. O’Brien timed an astonishing 11.14 second clocking. With this performance, she broke the previous under-18 record (not officially recognized) held by Raelene Boyle at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. With this historic double, Peters does more than show off her enormous talent. She already ranks alongside the all-time greats of Australian athletics.
Held at the WA Athletics Stadium, the Open championships saw O’Brien go head-to-head with athletes in the girls’ final. She ran a sizzling 11.14 seconds into a headwind of -1.7. This stunning performance brought her not only the win but a tie with Olympic hurdles gold medallist Sally Pearson’s personal best in the 100m flat. O’Brien’s excellent run makes her the fourth-fastest Australian woman of all time on the 100m flat. She’s the ninth-fastest runner under 18 of all time!
Overwhelming Support and Celebrations
After her truly inspiring performance, O’Brien was met with love and hugs from her fellow athletes who rejoiced in her historic special victory. She was wrapped in the open arms of fellow competitor Jessica Hanney, exemplifying the camaraderie and sportsmanship that runs deep in youth athletes.
In an interview after the race, O’Brien said she was overwhelmed by the support. The local and national support. Most of all, I have so many family and friends that have come here, this is hands-down the most support I’ve ever had in my life. It feels really incredible to be able to share this moment with the people that I love.” She reiterated just how important community has been to her path.
Her victory certainly raised a lot of eyebrows. Even her strongest competitors were quick to congratulate her for smashing a record that had previously stood for almost 60 years. The creative atmosphere was alive with possibility, and as she considered the enormity of her achievement, the excitement intensified.
Looking Ahead
Leah O’Brien looks to continue her success as she prepares for her next challenge at the Open national championships. On Friday, she’ll be back at WA Athletics Stadium taking on some veteran athletes such as Torrie Lewis. We could feel the excitement in the air…she was getting ready to step up her game on a bigger stage.
“I honestly thought my race in the heats [11.46] was a really good time, I expected to maybe go 11.3 in the final but I’m so happy because I have been working really hard for that,” O’Brien remarked. Her passion and drive certainly reflect in the final product, as she blew past her original goal by a landslide.
O’Brien admires elite Australian players including Torrie Lewis and Bree Rizzo, using their success to inspire her own game. I have so much respect for the top girls in Australia like Torrie Lewis and Bree Rizzo. I’m forever scrolling through their Instagram reels and flipping through their photo albums because they teach me, inspire me, and raise the bar on success.
