The 21-year-old university student entered the race as the outright favourite and she went on to prove those odds right. 

This was Forsyth’s second run at the Stawell Gift, returning this year after failing to make an impact in 2017.

Predominantly a beach runner, Forsyth said she had to adjust to the different style of racing at Stawell.

“I just had to get used to handicap running – I am not really used to having girls run in front and behind me,” she said.

Forsyth finished the final in 13.685 seconds, nearly three tenths of a second quicker than runner up Pamela Austin. 

She entered the final having set the quickest time in the semis, a surprise for many after a relatively unimpressive heat on Saturday.

Forsyth said she knew what she had to improve on following her earlier performance.

“I was nailing my start but I think I got out in front a lot earlier than I expected to (in the heat) and cruised way too much. Saturday wasn’t amazing,” she said.

“My aim for the final was to push through the middle and hope I could hold on until the end.”

The Stawell Gift became a sticking point for Forsyth after experiencing the event last year.

She said she entered the event without high aspirations.

“It didn’t look like I was going to be a chance with my times a lot slower than what I hoped leading into the Gift,” she said.

"I got injured as well. I had a nerve issue i my knee.

“There was something about Stawell that just made me want to come back – the atmosphere is just incredible.”

Forsyth’s win is the fourth success story for trainer Brett Robinson, who has previously coached three male winners.

Robinson said this win is “pretty special”.

“They all feel pretty good but this really amazing,” he said.

“We kept it all under wraps, she didn’t even tell many of her teammates on the Gold Coast we were coming to Stawell this year.

“It is incredible to see someone transform into an athlete strong enough to win this event. I am just so proud.”

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Robinson said he had faith Forsyth could win despite a lacklustre heat on Saturday.

Forsyth finished third in her heat and scraped through to the semis on her time.

“Saturday was a bit of a debacle. We think there was an issue with her spikes which slowed her down,” he said.

“She changed her shoes and looked much better after that.

“We expected her to run well but not quite as quick as we saw in the final.”

Forsyth said she will put her $40,000 winnings in the bank as savings.