Gout Gout, a 16-year-old sprinting prodigy, has been breaking records left and right in 2024. His journey into the spotlight began at the Under-20 World Championships, where he shattered the 200m event record previously held by 15-year-old Usain Bolt in 2002. This achievement marked just the beginning of a season filled with incredible feats, propelling Gout to the forefront of sprinting in Australia.
At the All Schools Queensland Championship, Gout added more accomplishments to his growing list of records. He dominated both the 100m and 200m events, setting a new Australian record in the 200m heats with a time of 20.29 seconds. This was the fastest time recorded by an Australian sprinter in 31 years, and it also set a new Queensland state record. With these performances, Gout now holds the under-18 and under-20 sprinting records for both Australia and Oceania.
In the 200m final, Gout clinched first place with a time of 20.52 seconds, further cementing his status as one of the most promising young sprinters. His performance also placed him as the fourth fastest under-18 200m sprinter ever. As Gout continues to break records, he is edging closer to the Australian national 200m record of 20.06 seconds, a mark set by Peter Norman in 1968.
Gout’s rapid rise has not gone unnoticed, leading to a sponsorship deal with Adidas. He now joins the ranks of top athletes like Lionel Messi and Patrick Mahomes. Earlier this year, Gout earned a silver medal at the Under-20 World Championships in Peru, where he narrowly lost to South Africa’s Bayanda Walaza by just 0.08 seconds. His impressive achievements in 2024 have made him one of the most exciting athletes to watch.
Despite the growing media attention, Gout’s manager, James Templeton, has been cautious about drawing comparisons to Usain Bolt. Templeton has emphasized the importance of allowing Gout to maintain a normal teenage life and avoid distractions. While the media continues to focus on his performances, Templeton is committed to ensuring that Gout’s development remains steady and free from undue pressure.
