Browning runs 9.96 but still striving for perfection

Published Mon 18 Jan 2021

17 January 2021

Browning runs 9.96 but still striving for perfection

In Wollongong yesterday Rohan Browning broke the magical 10 second barrier in the 100m, just the second Australian to run under 10 seconds electronically, but for Browning and coach Andrew Murphy the run was far from perfect.

It was known as ‘even time’ – 10 seconds for 100 yards, but as the sport went metric, the 10 seconds barrier remained, albeit now a lot tougher run over 100 metres or 110 yards.

But the 10 second barrier remains magical, a standard just two Australian’s have achieved electronically. National record holder Patrick Johnson accomplished it on three occasions, twice wind assisted and once with a legal wind when he set the current national record of 9.93 seconds.

“When you cross the line it is almost underwhelming and when you hear that first syllable of ‘nine point’ it feels like pure vindication,” said Browning. “It feels like six years of committing yourself to something.”

But for Browning and his coach, Andrew Murphy, a three-time Olympic triple jumper, who primarily coaches jumps and sprints, they are not getting carried away with the time.

“I said to Murph, it doesn’t mean anything until I run it legally.”

Coach Murphy concurred.

“The first thing my coach Murph did was give me a hug and said congratulations Rohan, and said it should have been 9.8, you sort of fell apart. And he is right, and that is the type of attitude I need. I know with that sort of guy in my corner nothing will go to my head.”

To add context and perspective to Murph’s comment, statistically Browning’s comfortable season opener of 10.23 into a 1.1m/s wind last week equates to about 9.89 with a 3.3m/s tailwind.

“I think I can run a lot better than I did today in the 100m,” Browning added.

When the borders are down and NSW athletes can race on the quick AIS Mondo track, and with more races under his belt, there is no doubt a wind-legal sub 10 seconds run is within the capabilities of Browning.

Fast times are also not the highest priority for team-Browning, consistency of marks is critical for their goals of championship success, knowing performances across multiple rounds is key.

“If I can keep running week-to-week I can be a threat at Olympic level.”

An hour later, Browning was back on the track in his third race of the day, the final of the NSW 60m championship, where he clocked a wind-legal 6.55 seconds time – an Australian best on record (outdoors) and the fourth fastest all-time on the World list (outdoors).

A late bloomer in the sport, Browning is aiming for a long career on the track.

“I should have another ten years or more in the sport if I look after myself and I feel like I’m in the right hands with Murph.”

Superlatives for Rohan Browning’s 100m 9.96w (+3.3m/s)