UPDATE: In an astonishing feat, eight-year-old Kai Levitski has shattered not one, but two world records in less than two weeks. The young athlete from Woonona celebrated his achievements in true style—with a shoey—after clocking an incredible 46.46 seconds in the 300 metres at Beaton Park, Wollongong, on November 26.
This remarkable run not only eclipsed the previous world record of 46.91 seconds, set in Bahrain in 2018, but it also places Kai among the elite athletes like Usain Bolt. Just days later, on Wednesday night, Kai stunned spectators again by setting another world-best time of 1:44.36 in the 600 metres at an Athletics Wollongong meet. His performances are turning heads and making headlines.
Despite battling 30-plus-degree heat and challenging headwinds, Kai, supported by his teammates and coach Pete Murphy, pushed through to achieve his goals. “He’s been moving since he was little, always hard to keep up with, but now he’s channeling that energy,” said his mother, Shelley Lee.
The young sprinter’s journey in athletics began earlier this year under the guidance of coach Pete Murphy, known for training sporting stars. Murphy remarked on Kai’s exceptional drive, stating, “Most kids at eight years old just don’t have that kind of discipline.”
Kai’s achievements are not just personal milestones; they are a family legacy. He recently broke the 200-metre record previously held by his father, Jeremy Levitski, at the Northern Illawarra Little Athletics Club, a significant moment for the family. “That was a bit of an interesting family moment, and we celebrated with pizza for personal bests,” Lee added.
As Kai sets his sights on the 500-metre World Age Best Time of 1:27.5 for eight-year-olds, his parents are keen to help him achieve this milestone before he turns nine in January. “We are pushing for before the end of the year because he does turn nine,” Jeremy explained, emphasizing the urgency to make the most of this training period.
With a rigorous training regimen that includes early morning sessions, Kai’s determination is evident. “For him to be getting up at 6 AM in the middle of winter shows you that he’s got determination to become a champion,” Jeremy said.
Coach Pete Murphy lauded Kai’s work ethic, noting that “it’s about who’s going to take those genetics and work it, and Kai’s doing that unbelievably.” As Kai continues to break records and expectations, the world is watching this young athlete with bated breath for what he will accomplish next.
This story of a young athlete defying the odds is a testament to hard work, dedication, and family support. Stay tuned for updates as Kai Levitski pursues his next world record!
