Competing in the world cross country championships in Denmark, Clifford completed the 8km under-20 men's course in 26:25 to be the first Australian home.

His 30^th place finish was also the best result from an Australian in the past decade. 

"Being first Australian across the line in a world cross country event is so humbling," Clifford told Athletics Australia.

"It has been a dream of mine just to run at a world cross-country, ever since I was 10 it has been a goal in my journey in athletics and now to be on the world stage is satisfying.

"At the start it was very argy-bargy on the first couple of laps, then your body got used to the conditions as you tried to get into a rhythm."

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Respected Tasmanian sporting administrator Brian Roe underlined the significance of Clifford's achievements on social media, referencing Birtwhistle's 41^st place as an 18-year-old in the same event in 2013.

Birtwhistle, who finished third in last year's Triathlon World Series, joined in the praise. 

"Great run by Sam, another stellar performance to add to his growing list," Birtwhistle tweeted. 

King Island star Stewart McSweyn was forced to pull out of the open men's race after sustaining a viral infection earlier in the week.