“Be patient and make sure you surround yourself with people who are going support you.”
Australian athlete Lachlan “Lachie” Kennedy is breaking records—and doing it while living with type 1 diabetes. A sprinter specializing in the 60m, 100m, and 200m events, Lachie made history by becoming the first Australian to win a global medal in the 60m at the World Indoor Championships. He went on to create more history in May 2025 by becoming only the second Australian male to legally run the 100m in under 10 seconds, clocking an incredible 9.98.
Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 15, Lachie has never let it slow him down (literally). He uses Dexcom CGM technology to monitor his glucose during races and speaks openly about the discipline and awareness required to compete at the highest level.
Managing his glucose levels has helped him build better habits and a deeper connection to his body—an advantage in a sport where milliseconds matter. “I’m more aware of what I eat and when I eat,” he explains. “I think I’m actually healthier because I live with diabetes.”
Though Lachie says living with diabetes is a challenge, he also finds it rewarding. His journey is inspiring a new generation of athletes and proving that with the right mindset and support, the condition is not a limiter.
For someone newly diagnosed, Lachie says, “Don’t’ be scared to ask questions. There’s a real community around living with diabetes and everyone has different ways of managing it. Be patient and make sure you surround yourself with people who are going support you.”
To Lachie, advocacy is about showing others that diabetes doesn’t hold you back—it pushes you forward. Even after a back injury forced him to withdraw from the 2025 World Athletics Championships, Lachie remains focused on recovery and determined to return stronger. His journey continues to inspire athletes and individuals living with diabetes across Australia and beyond.
