Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy will not get the chance to resume their titanic rivalry at the Stawell Gift after another rising star scuppered the latter’s finals hopes.
Up in the first semifinal, Kennedy facing a massive task running off just a 0.25m handicap, could not overcome the 7.75m handicap of 17-year-old Dash Muir, who held on for a stunning victory.
Kennedy started strongly off the blocks but stalled out at the halfway mark, unable to close the gap to Muir, who took the win in 12.18 to advance to the final with Kennedy clocking 12.23.
With only the winners of each six semifinals advancing it means spectators will be denied another Gout, Kennedy battle.
Gout, who will start with a one-metre handicap, booked his place in the semifinals on Saturday after storming past his rivals to win his heat in 12.31 seconds.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/athletics/lachlan-kennedy-misses-out-on-stawell-gift-final-after-dash-muir-secures-upset-c-18438240
