Rising Australian sprint sensation Gout Gout has ignited a transcontinental athletics debate after American star Noah Williams publicly criticized the 17-year-old’s decision to avoid open-class competition in his Diamond League debut. Gout, who has quickly become one of the most talked-about talents in track and field, is set to run in the Under-23 200m event in Monaco this July. But his choice to skip the more competitive open-level races has not gone down well with everyone.
Williams, speaking candidly on the Track World News podcast, didn’t mince his words. “The kid is super talented, but that’s beside the point. The narrative now is he’s ducking these professional races,” the 400m sprinter claimed. “I see he’s entered to run U-23 in the Diamond League, and I think that’s really, really just soft. Being American and understanding our culture, we choose to play up instead of playing down.”
Gout’s rapid ascent has drawn comparisons to sprint legend Usain Bolt. His wind-assisted time of 9.99 seconds in the 100m and a 19.84 in the 200m already place him within striking distance of the Jamaican icon’s legacy. Yet despite the impressive stats, Gout’s management team is reportedly taking a cautious approach, prioritizing his long-term health and development over early exposure to elite-level stress.
This strategic decision includes limiting his participation in top-tier relays and high-pressure international events, despite Gout’s confidence in his potential. “I think the limit is just obviously winning the Olympics and world championships and honestly dominating like Bolt did,” Gout said in an interview with Fox Sports Australia. He’s now aiming for a breakout at the 2028 LA Olympics, with the 2032 Brisbane Games also firmly in his sights.
“I believe the times I’ve already run could get me into finals — top four, top five, even top six,” Gout added. “My goal is to be on that podium, running against guys like Tebogo, Lyles, Kennedy… all of them.”
As the athletics world watches his next move, one thing is clear — Gout Gout is not only chasing records but also rewriting how young stars navigate the path to greatness.
