Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy Miss Out on 2025 Stawell Gift Final as Evans and Rizzo Claim Victory
Coming out with a series of amazing performances and shocking results, the 2025 Powercor Stawell Gift concluded on April 21 at Central Park, Stawell. Even though sprint wonders Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy were highly anticipated, neither made it to the men’s final.John Evans and Bree Rizzo did, however, win the men’s and women’s finals respectively.
Men’s Final: John Evans Claims Victory
The man who couldn’t be caught all weekend 🔥
John Evans wins the 2025 Stawell Gift pic.twitter.com/r055h3xkZj
— 7Sport (@7Sport) April 21, 2025
From a 9.75m disadvantage, Adelaide teacher John Evans took out the men’s Stawell Gift title. Evans covered the 120m in 11.94 seconds, beating Jasper Thomas (6.50m) and Mitch O’Neill (4.75m) in 12.07 and 12.11, respectively. ​​​
Women’s Final: Bree Rizzo Triumphs from Scratch
“To win it off scratch, it’s just mind-blowing, so special. I’m just so proud of myself.”
Bree Rizzo you superstar 🤩 pic.twitter.com/TCdxrCbRqc
— 7Sport (@7Sport) April 21, 2025
In gaining the women’s Stawell Gift off the scratch mark, Olympic semifinalist Bree Rizzo made history—a feat she shared with only one other woman before her. Rizzo took the finish in 13.52 seconds, narrowly defeating Jemma Stapleton (11m) and Chiara Santiglia (7.75m) with finishes in 13.55 and 13.66 seconds respectively.
Semifinals: Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy Eliminated
Both Lachlan Kennedy and Gout Gout were eliminated in the semifinal despite lofty expectations. From a 1-m handicap, Gout finished at 12.34 seconds, narrowly failing to qualify. Kennedy ran the race for 12.23 seconds from 0.25m but lost out to Dash Muir.
Backmarkers’ Invitational: Ryan Tarrant Prevails
Ryan Tarrant, winner of the 2023 men’s Gift, took gold with a time of 12.27 seconds in open backmarkers’ invitation 120m. Lachlan Kennedy and Gout Gout finished fourth and seventh respectively.
Event Overview
In three days, the 2025 Powercor Stawell Gift involved a series of events leading to the finals on Easter Monday. The tournament was a success and highlighted Australia’s athletic ability despite obstacles like rain and a brief power outage connected to the weather. ​​​​
Conclusion
That is how talented Australia’s athletes are the 2025 Stawell Gift. That people like John Evans and Bree Rizzo took out the competition is evidence of how hard the event is and how vital it is to the sporting calendar around the country.
