Wiltshire wins Stawell Gift

Starting from eight metres, Wiltshire has immortalised himself in history by winning in 12.22 seconds to become the 131st athlete to win Australia's richest footrace at Central Park yesterday.

The 20 year old was riding high after the victory, saying it was 'the best feeling in the world'.

"It's just the best feeling I can ever imagine. Winning it makes everything better."

This comment most likely related to making up for the disappointment his grandfather felt when he was sent out as favourite in the 1958 Stawell Gift final, only to tear his hamstring mid-race.

Wiltshire, who was emotional after his win, was an early favourite to take out the Gift, being backed in during the week from $9 to $3.50. He shortened even further after recording a time of 12.21 seconds in his heat on Saturday and then 12.22 in the semi final earlier yesterday.

However, he would soon be set a challenge, when 2006 Commonwealth Games 400 metres gold medallist John Steffensen broke and was pulled back a metre, but still impressed with a barnstorming win in his semi final in a slick time of 12.14. All of a sudden, Seteffensen was backed in to start a $1.60 favourite in the Stawell Gift final.

Wiltshire admitted to being 'a bit worried' about Steffensen.

Although there was no need to be in the end, with Steffensen tearing his hamstring 30 metres from the finish line.

"Yeah, I was a bit worried about Stef. I died a bit in the semi final - I stumbled, and got off to a terrible start and thought 'oh s---', but I kicked on, kept on going," Wiltshire said.

What makes the win even more special for the Wiltshire family is that his grandfather, John Wiltshire, competed at the Stawell Gift throughout the 1950s, placing a number of times in the 100-yard event.

John was at Stawell yesterday to watch his grandson compete in the biggest race of his life, and was 'thrilled to the back teeth' with the win.

"It's all in the breeding," John joked.

"I was more nervous than he was, I think. I didn't know he'd won it until he crossed the line," he said.

John said his grandson was 'a capable runner', and said he always hoped for the best heading into the final.

Did he have any advice for Wiltshire leading into the Gift?

"No, I keep right out of it all," John said.

Wiltshire said his grandfather did have one thing to say though.

"He said yesterday to try your best, and that he'll be proud of me no matter what."

Another person who was proud of Wiltshire's win was his coach, Peter O'Dwyer.

O'Dwyer himself made it through to yesterday's semi finals in his 25th appearance at Central Park.

But it was his charge's performance that was the highlight of his weekend.

"I knew he could do it," O'Dwyer said.

O'Dwyer said although Wiltshire was 'a bit amateur', to win off eight metres with the pressure and nerves was a terrific effort.

"Being favourite early on really helped. We were able to deal with it... and move on," he said.

O'Dwyer lauded Wiltshire's qualities as an athlete and said he could become even better.

"He's got the commitment, trains hard (seven days a week). He's pretty raw, and there's improvement there. If he gets that right, who knows?" O'Dwyer said.

Wiltshire thanked his coach, describing him as 'the best'.

"He's an inspiration, just fantastic," Wiltshire said.

Wiltshire said he had 'no clue' as to what he will do with the $40,000 winner's cheque.

"I'm 20 years old - what am I supposed to do? Buy a couple of slabs of Bundy?" he said.

After a busy year competing in gift carnivals, Wiltshire is now looking to relax and represent Australia next year at the Nationals in the 100 metre sprint.