19 year old Torrie Lewis has earned the title of the Fastest Australian Woman.
Lewis ran 11.10 over 100m at the ACT Open and Under 20 Championships on the 27 January 2024 in Canberra, Australia.
Not only did Lewis’ run eclipse the past national record of 11.11, set by Melissa Breen in 2014, but also Raelene Boyle’s Under 20 record of 11.20, set in 1968.
“To me, it is finally here. I’ve been after times like these for what seems like ages now, never letting myself think too much of it, but always wanting to get there,” Lewis said.
Building on her form which saw her win the sprint double at the 2023 Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics Championships, Lewis has launched her Olympic campaign with this record-breaking feat.
During the heats, Lewis set a personal best of 11.21, before stretching away from the field in the back half of the final – treating the crowd at the Australian Institute of Sport to a slice of history.
“That junior record which I have been very close, I’m glad to get under it finally. I came into this competition not even really focusing on the 100m, wanting to focus more on the 200m. This is probably the most relaxed I have been in a competition and to be honest, it paid off,” Lewis said.
“I just think in sport, I want to get so far and I want to do the best I can.”
Lewis, coached by Andrew Iselin, fell just short of the qualifying standard for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, 11.07. This achievement is sure to have her following in the footsteps of three-time Olympic medalist Raelene Boyle and two-time Olympian Melissa Breen.
“Canberra is a great one to start at! It’s a great track and always good conditions. With the Olympic year, the goal for the season is to try and run around that similar time, which should get me pretty close to qualifying,” Lewis said.
“Two weeks after the Olympics is the World Juniors in Peru, so that’s still on my card hopefully. They are the two big ones for me this season.”
Now former Australian record holder Melissa Breen took to social media to congratulate the teenage sensation:
“Records are made to be broken. It’s been an absolute honour and privilege to be the Australian record holder of the 100m for almost a decade. Congratulations Torrie Lewis, coach Andrew Iselin and your entire team. The baton is now yours, carry it with pride & purpose every day.”
