Guyanese track star Malachi Austin is setting his ambitions high after a string of gold medal performances and national records on the regional and international stage. The 18-year-old quarter-miler, who recently clinched gold at the 2024 CARIFTA Games and the South American Games, is now firmly focused on bringing home Olympic medals for Guyana.
Austin, a standout member of the Running Brave Athletics Club and a scholarship student at Louisiana State University, has quickly become one of Guyana’s most promising young athletes. He holds the U20 national 400m record with a personal best of 46.35 seconds and has consistently ranked among the world’s top junior quarter-milers. His recent silver medal at the 2023 Junior Commonwealth Games and gold at the 2024 South American Games have further cemented his reputation as a rising star.
Reflecting on his journey, Austin shared that if he hadn’t pursued athletics, he would have become a physical therapist, but his passion for track and field has driven him to aim for the highest levels of competition. “I would want to be known as one of the greatest Junior and Senior 400m athletes to come from Guyana,” Austin said, expressing his determination to leave a lasting legacy.
Guyana’s recent success in athletics, particularly in the 400m, has sparked optimism for the nation’s prospects at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Government officials and sports administrators have voiced confidence that the country could secure its first Olympic track and field medal, with Austin leading the charge. The Ministry of Sport has even partnered with the US Embassy to launch a training programme involving Olympic medallists, aiming to nurture the next generation of Guyanese champions.
Austin’s achievements, alongside those of fellow 400m standout Tianna Springer, have inspired a wave of national pride and renewed investment in athletics. As he continues to train and compete on the world stage, Austin’s sights remain fixed on Olympic glory-determined to make history for Guyana and fulfill his dream of standing atop the podium with a gold medal draped in the Golden Arrowhead.
