Kelly Doualla, 16 years and 121 days old, has already made history in athletics as the youngest Italian athlete ever to take part in a World Championship, the indoor event in Torun (Poland), where she was also the youngest competitor.
The young sprinter made her debut with the senior national team, showing remarkable confidence for her age and maturity, as well as mental equilibrium alongside world-class champions. Before the race, the pressure was palpable, but Kelly managed to turn it into pure energy on the track.
A prodigy of youth sprinting, Kelly has already impressed this season and in previous seasons: in 2025, she became the fastest European under-18 athlete ever in the indoor 60 meters (7.19) and the 100 meters (11.21), entering the record books at just 15 years old.
In Torun, Kelly faced the 60-meter heats with the determination of a veteran: finishing third in 7.27, she advanced to the semifinals, proving she can handle stress, emotions, and adrenaline.
“I had so much fun,” she said. “I tried to laugh and hum my songs to stay calm. Running next to a champion like Julien Alfred was incredible.” In the semifinals, the young sprinter finished with 7.36, taking home an unforgettable experience.
This adventure in Torun is a crucial milestone ahead of the European Athletics Under 18 Championships to be held in Rieti from July 16 to 19.
Christian Diociaiuti