Australian Sprinting Prodigy Gout Gout Aims High
Australian schoolboy Gout Gout is a force to be reckoned with in sprinting. Gout Gout's remarkable talent and dedication have earned him a spot in the World Championships.
“Running 19 seconds, you're up there for sure. You know you're in the top 15, top 20 in the world. So it's definitely great...”
Australian schoolboy sprinter Gout Gout is setting realistic expectations for his first world championships in Tokyo. For him, a successful outing would be one where he achieves a personal best in the 200m event, regardless of his final position. This mindset showcases his focus on development and growth as an athlete.
The 17-year-old phenom has drawn comparisons to sprinting legend Usain Bolt due to his impressive performances over the past year. Gout has been on a tear, breaking Australia's long-standing 200m record and clocking fast times. His current personal best stands at 20.02 seconds, set in Ostrava in June. He's eager to test himself against the world's best in Tokyo.
“I definitely think PB-ing, regardless of where I come, is definitely a big success,” he told reporters in Tokyo on Monday.
“And hopefully, if I can make it at the semi, that's even greater. And then if I make it into the final, that's a big success.”
Gout expressed confidence in his abilities, stating that despite the significant step up to competing in Tokyo just a year after participating in the World Junior Championships, he wouldn't be intimidated by the challenge.
“I've earned my place to be here,” he said. “Obviously, these athletes are stronger, bigger, older, more experienced, but I know that I have the ability to go out there and do my thing.
“At the end of the day, we're all running 200 metres, and regardless of how old you are, when you stop on that line, it's all about who's fastest.”
Watch out world, Gout Gout is coming! 🌬️
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) September 10, 2025
At just 17, the Australian sprinting prodigy is on his way to compete at his first World Champs kicking off later this week in Tokyo! 🗼#Olympics | #WorldAthleticsChamps | #RoadToLA28 | @AUSOlympicTeam pic.twitter.com/v1Ummadw49
Gout mentioned that as he continues to develop and gain strength, he anticipates participating in both the 100m and 200m events. However, his primary focus remains on breaking the 20-second barrier in the 200m, a milestone he believes will place him among the world's top sprinters.
“Running 19 seconds, you're up there for sure. You know you're in the top 15, top 20 in the world. So it's definitely great,” Gout said, highlighting his ambition to achieve a sub-20 second time in the 200m. Becoming the first Australian to accomplish this feat is a significant goal for him, and he's driven to make it a reality.
Following his World Championships appearance, Australian schoolboy sprinter Gout Gout plans to unwind with a short holiday before diving back into academics. He's set to head back to school, where he excels as a straight-A student, to tackle his final exams. This brief break will give him a chance to recharge before refocusing on his studies.
Gout's vibrant personality has captured the hearts of many in Australia. During a recent discussion, he effortlessly switched between topics, showcasing his comfort and enthusiasm. From sharing his love for burgers to lightheartedly recounting squabbles with his siblings and the whirlwind of his newfound fame, Gout's ebullient nature shines through. His charisma has undoubtedly contributed to his rising popularity.
Gout's overnight fame hasn't fazed him. Instead, he seems to enjoy the attention, laughing off the surreal experiences, like fans asking for photos with their grandparents or a baby's mother requesting a signature on her forehead. This 17-year-old sensation has taken the world of athletics by storm, drawing comparisons to Usain Bolt with his impressive 200m record-breaking performance.
“It's definitely crazy,” he said. “I've had people with their grandparents come up to me wanting photos ... I've had a baby, her mother wanted me to sign her forehead.
“It's definitely surreal ... and it's definitely something I enjoy.”
Gout, the 17-year-old Australian sprinter of South Sudanese descent, acknowledges the potential role of destiny in his birth and upbringing in southeast Queensland, a region that will host the 2032 Olympics. Born to South Sudanese parents, Gout's journey to becoming Australia's fastest sprinter is a testament to his hard work and dedication. With impressive records, including breaking the Australian Under-18 men's 200m record and becoming the fastest 16-year-old to cover the 200m distance, Gout's achievements have drawn comparisons to legendary athlete Usain Bolt. Now, he's setting his sights on the Olympics, where he'll aim to showcase his skills on the world stage.
“There was a choice between Canada and Australia,” he said.
“I think God kind of made them follow that path, and they landed on Queensland.”
Usain Bolt recently shared valuable insights with Australian teenage sprinter Gout Gout, who broke one of Bolt's long-standing records. Bolt emphasized the importance of humility, hard work and staying focused on one's goals. He encouraged Gout to appreciate the journey, remain grounded despite newfound fame and build a strong support system. Bolt also highlighted the need to handle pressure and maintain passion for the sport.
Gout, who has drawn comparisons to Bolt, expressed admiration for the Jamaican sprint legend and hopes to carve his own path to success. While acknowledging the honor of being compared to Bolt, Gout stated, “Obviously, I'm Gout Gout, so I'm trying to make a name for myself. If I can get to the level he was, that would be a great achievement.”
Bolt's advice to Gout included:
Embracing the Journey: Records are meant to be broken, but it's the journey that truly matters.
Staying Focused: Keep your love for the sport alive and don't let pressure define you.
Building a Support System: Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you.
Giving Back: Use your platform to inspire others, which is the true measure of greatness.
Mental Resilience: Learn from every experience, whether it's a win or a loss, as it shapes your legacy.
Gout's rapid rise has drawn attention worldwide, with many expecting him to make a significant impact in the world of athletics. As he prepares for his first World Championships, Gout's determination and talent have sparked comparisons to Bolt's early achievements.
“Just being able to be that someone who started off as a nobody and became someone really, really good,” he said.
“Being that I think would be a very, very big success for me.”
No comments:
Leave comment here