The 2025 Stawell Gift turned into a nightmare for two of the event’s biggest drawcards, Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy, after both young stars were eliminated in the semi-finals — leaving fans in disbelief.
Despite massive expectations and a huge build-up leading into the iconic race at Central Park, the sprint sensations couldn't overcome their handicaps, falling short of making the final and dashing hopes of a star-studded showdown for the $40,000 prize.
Only Winners Advance, and the Big Names Are Out
Under the Stawell Gift format, only the winner of each of the six semi-finals earns a spot in the final. Unfortunately for Gout and Kennedy, second place wasn’t good enough — and neither could bridge the gap from the backmarkers to snatch a win.
Gout, running off a 1.0m mark, was up against Adelaide schoolteacher John Evans, who came in with the fastest heat time and showed no signs of slowing down. Evans clocked a blistering 12.10 in the semi to hold off the teenage star, whose 12.34 wasn’t enough — not just in his race, but across any of the semis.
Wet Weather Woes: Gout’s Springy Style Slowed
The conditions didn’t help either. Torrential rain and a soggy grass track meant sprinters struggled to reach top speed, especially those like Gout who rely on explosive power. The timing of the downpour couldn’t have been worse, and fans were quick to question why Gout was matched with the top seed in such tough circumstances.
While plenty of punters blamed the weather, many also pointed the finger at the event’s handicappers. With both Gout and Kennedy receiving extremely tough marks, it left them with an uphill battle that, in the end, was simply too much.
“Handicappers made a mess of this when neither Gout nor Kennedy make the final,” one fan fumed online.
“You handicap out your fastest runners — that’s a great way to ruin the finals,” another added.
Class Act: Gout Keeps It Cool
Despite the disappointment, Gout showed his class after the race. Instead of sulking, he continued down the track to high-five fans and soak up the atmosphere — proving why he's quickly becoming one of the most respected young athletes in the country.
And he won’t be heading home empty-handed either. Reports suggest the 17-year-old pocketed a $50,000 appearance fee from a local businessman for his participation in the prestigious Easter meet.
John Evans Crowned 2025 Stawell Gift Champion
After knocking out Gout in the semi, John Evans didn’t slow down. The Adelaide schoolteacher produced a stunning final run of 11.94 seconds to take out the 2025 Stawell Gift.
He beat home Jasper Thomas (6.50m), who clocked 12.07, and Mitch O’Neill (4.75m), who ran 12.11. All three improved on their semi-final efforts, but it was Evans who ran the race of his life to claim the crown.
More Drama in the Backmarkers Invitation
It didn’t get better for Gout later in the day either, with his tough campaign continuing in the Open Backmarkers Invitation. The teen finished seventh after a sluggish start, overtaken by Kennedy early on. Chloe Mannix-Power looked set to win it from 14m, but 2023 champ Ryan Tarrant stormed home off 3.50m to steal it in 12.27.
Kennedy finished fourth, a step behind the top runners.
Bree Rizzo Makes History in the Women’s Final
One of the best feel-good stories of the meet came in the women’s final, with 29-year-old Bree Rizzo charging home from scratch to claim a famous victory in 13.52 seconds. Rizzo edged out Chiara Santiglia (7.75m) and Jemma Stapleton (11m) to seal the win — and join her husband Matt as a Stawell Gift champion.
“To win it off scratch... I never imagined that,” Rizzo told Channel 7. “I was going to retire at 23 and I’m turning 30. I’m speechless.”
Backmarker Blues: Star Power Missing from Final
With Gout, Kennedy, and Jack Hale all bundled out, the men’s final lacked the star power fans were hoping for. But the race still delivered plenty of excitement, as Evans stole the show with a commanding run.
- Finalists included:
- John Evans (9.75m)
- Patrick Martin (8.50m)
- Dash Muir (7.75m)
- Jasper Thomas (6.50m)
- Joshua Lotsu (5.50m)
- Mitch O’Neill (4.75m)
Fans Demand Change to Handicapping System
The controversial handicapping system came under heavy fire, particularly for pairing Gout and Evans — two of the fastest — in the same semi-final.
“Classic self-sabotage from the stewards and VAL,” one fan wrote.
“You’ve just ensured neither makes the final.”
With big names missing from the finale, it’s a talking point the Stawell Gift organisers may have to confront before next year’s event.
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Mitchell
Mitchell is a seasoned Ph.D. scholar with extensive expertise gained through years of rigorous research, publication, and teaching experience. He brings a wealth of knowledge and analytical skills to tackle complex academic challenges. His work is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions, advancing knowledge, and promoting academic excellence. Proficient in research methodology, data analysis, and scholarly writing, Mitchell has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and mentored students to achieve academic success.
