A new sprint superstar has emerged in Australian athletics with 17-year-old Gout Gout achieving another historic performance at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre on March 16, 2025. Competing in the under-20 200m state title, Gout clocked an impressive time of 19.98 seconds, a feat that not only secured him the title but also marked the sixth-fastest time recorded by an under-20 athlete in history. This monumental performance has drawn comparisons with legendary sprinter Usain Bolt, who previously achieved a similar milestone at the same age.
Despite running in a race with a significant tailwind of 3.6m/s, which prevented Gout from breaking his own national record of 20.04 seconds, his time was still remarkable. It stands as the second-fastest time recorded in Australia, trailing only behind Frankie Fredericks, a four-time Olympic silver medallist, who completed the distance in 19.92 seconds. As McAvaney noted, Gout's performance has electrified the athletics community, hinting at the possibility of a new wave of sprinters emerging from Australia.
The grandstands at QSAC were filled with enthusiastic families, all eager to witness the rise of this new talent. Among those present was broadcasting legend Bruce McAvaney, who flew to Brisbane from Sydney after covering the Sydney Track Classic. After the race, Gout and McAvaney shared a heartfelt embrace, with Gout expressing the emotional significance of the moment: “It feels great because I’ve been at that stage watching people like Usain Bolt, getting goosebumps. For me to give people goosebumps feels great.”
Gout's recent performances have set off shockwaves through the sprinting world, particularly with the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo scheduled for September. The young sprinter not only won the state title but also advanced his own reputation further by running the fourth-fastest 100m time in history for an under-18, clocking in at a wind-assisted personal best of 10.04 seconds just a day prior on March 15. He also dominated the under-20 100m title at the Queensland State Championships, finishing in 10.38 seconds, nearly half a second ahead of the next competitor.
With a phenomenal track record so far, Gout is scheduled to compete again at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne on March 29, where he aims to further solidify his status among the elite sprinters. His rivals include Olympic gold medallist Noah Lyles, who is emerging from indoor competition in Europe, and other promising athletes like Josh Azzopardi and Sebastian Sultana.
McAvaney, who has a rich history with Australian athletics, believes that Gout is on the cusp of greatness. Speaking to fans after the race, he speculated that it is “almost a certainty” that at least two Australian sprinters will break the 10-second barrier in upcoming races, with Gout being among those tipped for glory. His confidence is shared within the athletic community, highlighting Gout as a potential Olympic contender for years to come.
The sprinting world has taken notice of Gout Gout's extraordinary talent. After breaking Peter Norman's long-standing Australian 200m record last December, Gout seems poised to continue his ascent. Norman’s previous record of 20.06 seconds had stood since 1968, but Gout's remarkable achievement last year at the age of 16 solidifies his legacy as a game changer in Australian athletics.
Now, Gout must focus on clearing his next hurdle—the 10-second barrier in the 100m distance—while consistently posting impressive times across both sprint distances. His current performances indicate he is well on his way to accomplishing this goal. Potential future bouts with sprint rivals will add excitement to an already promising career. “I felt literally free. I had 80 metres left to go and I thought, let’s send it,” he remarked about his recent run, showcasing not just his speed but his confidence and determination.
As Gout Gout continues his incredible journey, fans across the country are watching closely. The anticipation builds as the world prepares to witness this budding athlete take the stage at both the national championships in Perth and the Maurie Plant Meet next month. In an environment where records are constantly being achieved, Gout's remarkable talent suggests he could soon be leading the charge for Australia on the world athletic stage.
With the World Championships looming and the appetite for more record-breaking performances at every event, the future looks bright for Gout. Families, fans, and sporting legends alike can only keep their fingers crossed and cheer on this extraordinary talent as he strives to carve his name in the history of sprinting.
