Sprint sensation Lachlan Kennedy breaks 100m 10-second barrier with blistering run

Aussie sprint sensation Lachlan Kennedy etched his name in the history books after becoming only the second Australian to run under the 10 second mark in a 100m race.

Kennedy, 21, ran 9.98-seconds in the Men's 100m at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi, Kenya overnight - becoming the first Aussie to manage the feat since Patrick Johnson in 2003.

'As soon as I saw the 9.98 I was thrilled, the feeling was so surreal. I couldn't believe it,' Kennedy said.

'I was there to win today and bring it home, and I am super stoked to get the win and the time.

'It's so good. I can finally say I run 9! I haven't wanted to rush it or put the pressure on myself, I take every race as it comes and I knew it would come eventually.

'I've got a good coach (Andrew Iselin), good training partners — shoutout to Calab Law — and a good S&C (strength and conditioning) and team around me.

'It's been about trusting the process.'

Kennedy's exciting breakthrough has sent shockwaves through Aussie athletics, with former stars posting about the run.

'Enormous,' posted Matt Shirvington on Instagram.

Yes yes yes,' wrote Sally Pearson.

Kennedy is part of a group of young sprinters, that includes schoolboy star Gout Gout, who have been chasing the 10 second mark.

Kennedy wasn't bothered by a false start during his historic race.

'I think there was early movement from someone in the first part of the race, but it actually did me good. It settled the nerves so I was pretty confident out there today,' he revealed.

'I didn't think a nine was realistic until a couple of years ago. When I was still playing rugby but starting to train and realising I had some speed, I made it the goal.

'I'm getting better with every race. It's an advantage to have a long season at home. I'm not getting tired, so I'm looking forward to seeing what I can achieve later in the year as we get closer to the World Championships.'