SA School Teacher John Evans Stuns Gout in Stawell Gift Semi-Final Upset
Teen Sensations Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy Shockingly Eliminated from Stawell Gift
By James Cooney and John Salvado
Published: 04:54 BST, 21 April 2025 | Updated: 05:19 BST, 21 April 2025
The highly anticipated Stawell Gift semi-finals delivered major upsets as teenage sprinters Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy were eliminated, dashing hopes of a headline showdown in the final.
Gout Gout, the 17-year-old prodigy, fell short in the sixth semi-final after a stunning performance by John Evans, a South Australian school teacher. Evans, starting from a 9.75m handicap, blitzed the field in 12.10 seconds—the fastest semi-final time—to secure his place in the final. Gout, despite a late surge, couldn’t close the gap.
John Evans stunned crowds by eliminating Gout Gout.
Meanwhile, Lachlan Kennedy, another pre-race favorite, was edged out by 17-year-old Dash Muir in the first semi-final. Muir’s explosive finish left Kennedy trailing, despite a valiant effort.
Dash Muir’s semi-final win ended Kennedy’s Stawell Gift hopes.
Other semi-final winners included Jasper Thomas, Mitchell O’Neill, Patrick Martin, and Joshua Lotsu, who will compete for the $40,000 prize in the 120m handicap final.
In the women’s event, Bree Rizzo—a Paris Olympics 100m semi-finalist—dominated her heat in 13.81 seconds, advancing to the final as a scratch marker.
Gout’s Graceful Exit
Despite the disappointment, Gout remained composed, high-fiving fans post-race. His appearance fee of $50,000 softened the blow, with the teen smiling through the setback.
Evans’ Emotional Victory
The underdog Evans shared his exhilaration: “It’s been a stressful few days… Racing stars like Gout is unreal. I heard the crowd roaring—he nearly had me!”
Fans packed Central Park for the thrilling races.
The Stawell Gift finals promise high drama, with Evans and Muir now among the contenders vying for glory—and life-changing prize money—in one of Australia’s most iconic athletics events.
More to follow.
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Gout Gout stunned in Stawell Gift semi-final by South Australian school teacher John Evans
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