Australia’s teenage sprinting prodigy, Gout Gout, has achieved another significant milestone, fueling comparisons to the legendary Usain Bolt.
Gout, who won the silver medal in the World U20 Championships, believes he has much more to offer as he continues to excel in the 200m event.
At the Australian All Schools Championships in Brisbane on December 8, Gout ran an impressive 20.04 seconds in the 200m, surpassing Usain Bolt’s world age-16 record of 20.13 seconds, which had stood since 2003.
His performance not only set a new age record but also broke Peter Norman’s Oceanian record of 20.06, which had remained unchallenged since 1968.
“These are adult times, and me – just a kid – I’m running them. It’s going to be a great future for sure,” said Gout, reflecting on his historic achievement. He also emphasized his determination, stating, “I have always done what I said I will do. If I said something, it’s on my mind and I am pursuing it until I do it.”
Earlier in the competition, on December 6, Gout claimed the 100m title with a personal best of 10.17 seconds, after clocking a wind-assisted 10.04 seconds in the heats. His performance now places him second on the world U18 all-time list, behind Erriyon Knighton’s 19.84.
As Gout prepares to turn 17 later this month, he looks forward to his final season as an U18 athlete in 2024, with two additional years ahead in the U20 category. With his record-breaking feats, Gout continues to attract attention as a potential successor to Usain Bolt, though his manager has cautioned against making premature comparisons.
