Interview with Leah O'Brien: Australia's Next Sprint Sensation

Author: Mali Seward

At just 17-years-old, Leah O'Brien is emerging as one of the best young sprinters in Australian athletics. In April, she stunned the nation by breaking a 57-year-old national record in the 100m with a time of 11.14 seconds.
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I was fortunate enough to chat with Leah last week, she shared her journey, from being an eight-year-old trying Little Athletics for the first time to becoming a national record-breaker less than a decade later.

What got you into athletics, and was there someone who introduced or encouraged you to pursue sprinting?
“I got into athletics when I was eight years old after some family friends saw me run at a school carnival and suggested to my parents that I give Little Athletics a try. That simple suggestion ended up changing everything. I joined (the) UWA Little Athletics Club and instantly fell in love with the sport. While I enjoyed trying all the events, sprinting quickly became my favourite. I also loved the social side of cheering on my friends and playing between events,” O’Brien told Youth Jam’s Mali Seward.

Did you grow up in a sporty family, and who had the biggest influence early on?
“My family is definitely athletic. My dad played soccer, and my mum did dance, so sport has always been a part of our lives, even though neither of them were professional athletes. They’ve always been incredibly supportive, encouraging me to follow my passion and stick with it, no matter the challenges. Their support and belief in me made a big difference, and I wouldn’t be here today without them,” she said.

What was your first race like, and how has your mindset and preparation changed since then?
“My first races at Little Athletics were all about fun. I loved the social side, hanging out with friends between events, cheering each other on, and just enjoying every moment. Now, my mindset is completely different. I’m still passionate about the sport, but I’ve become much more focused and committed. My preparation is now very structured, from training and recovery to nutrition and mindset. I’m determined to keep improving and do whatever it takes to be the best version of myself on and off the track,” Leah told Youth Jam.

What challenges have you had to overcome so far in your career?
“There’ve been a few. One of the biggest was dealing with shin splints last season, which really impacted my training and performance heading into Nationals. It was frustrating not being at my peak and not being able to run the 200m, but it helped me stay disciplined and work even harder this year so I could come out of Nationals with no regrets,” she added.

When did you know you had what it took to break a national record?
“Honestly, I didn’t. Going into the race, I wasn’t thinking about records. I didn’t even know what the record was. My focus was just on executing my race and trying to win. So when I crossed the line and heard I’d broken a 57-year-old national record, I was completely shocked. It was a moment I’ll never forget. My goal before Nationals was to just make the podium and run an 11.3, so I really exceeded my expectations,” O’Brien wrote.

How does it feel to be breaking records at just 17 years old?
“It still feels surreal. I’ve looked up to athletes who’ve broken records and worn the green and gold for so long, so to be making that kind of history myself is incredibly special. It’s a massive confidence boost, but it also motivates me to keep pushing and striving because I know I’m capable of so much more in my future if I keep putting the work in,” she said.

What would you like to achieve in the future? What’s your ultimate goal?
“My short-term goal is to consistently run 11.1–11.3 times in the 100m and to continue improving my 200m so I can be ranked among the Open athletes. In the long term, I hope to make my first global Australian team, either as part of a relay or in an individual event. To achieve this, I plan to learn from the older Open girls, who have so much knowledge and experience, and hopefully run some races alongside them and attend training camps with them. Ultimately, my biggest goal is to represent Australia in an individual event at the Olympics, but I know I still have a lot of hard work ahead of me to get there,” she told Mali Seward.
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Leah O’Brien’s journey is just beginning, but her dedication and love for the sport sets her apart from the rest. From being eight years old at Little Athletics to a national record-breaker less than a decade later, her journey so far is a reminder of what’s possible with determination and persistence. As she sets her sights on international competitions and the Olympic stage, Leah’s career is setting out to be highly successful, and one we will be hearing about for many years to come.