Australia’s sprint sensation Gout Gout is making headlines this week as he breaks national records and aims for Olympic gold. At just 17 years old, Gout has not only broken the Australian 200m record but has also become the first Australian man to run the distance in under 20 seconds in any conditions. This remarkable achievement comes after a stunning performance at the Queensland state championships, where he clocked a wind-assisted time of 19.98 seconds, making him the second man ever to breach the 20-second barrier.
This young athlete’s journey to superstardom began in a school competition. Recounting the moment, he vividly remembers, “I was running in the interhouse and I was against the state champion for his age group… And I basically beat him and coach came up to me and she was like, I believe you can be someone, you can be one of the fastest in Australia, fastest in the world.” These words, spoken by coach Di Sheppard, ignited a drive in Gout that would lead him to train intensely and achieve phenomenal records.
Gout Gout's ascent to fame was rapid. By breaking the long-standing national 200m record set by Olympic medalist Peter Norman in 1968, he has captured the attention of both fans and media. Reflecting on beating Norman’s historic time, he described the feeling as “hard to process,” acknowledging that no one had done it in many years. Yet, he enjoyed every moment of his achievement, remarking, “I definitely enjoyed the moment and really process it well.”
Despite the wave of comparisons to legendary sprinter Usain Bolt, Gout maintains his focus on individuality and personal growth. “In the moment it feels great because everyone wants to be compared to Usain Bolt, the fastest athlete alive,” he said. “Although I do run like Usain Bolt and I do maybe look like him, I’m just trying to be myself and trying to be the next Gout.” Gout's ambitions extend far beyond personal records—he envisions himself competing at the Olympics, specifically aiming for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles and the Brisbane Olympics.
As his popularity grows, Gout is mindful of the challenges that come with being in the spotlight. He acknowledged the importance of having a solid support system, citing his family, coach, and agent James Templeton (JT) as crucial to his success. “A solid support network provides that crucial touchstone when on a journey like this, and Gout has that,” said Matt Shirvington, a former Olympian who has taken notice of Gout's astounding potential.
Looking ahead to major competitions, Gout is set to compete in the national championships from April 10-13, hoping to further cement his status as a rising star in the athletic world. “A hundred percent I believe I can go faster. I can go real fast,” he confidently states, encapsulating his determination to push boundaries and exceed expectations.
Having run 20.04 seconds to claim the national record last December, slightly better than Bolt’s record at the same age, Gout remains hungry for more. As the youngest athlete to accomplish such feats, he dazzles both fans and coaches alike. “He’s probably smarter than I was at that age. He’s quicker. But he’s certainly got the world at his feet,” Cathy Freeman remarked, drawing parallels between her journey as an athlete and Gout’s emerging career.
Freeman vividly recalls the electric atmosphere of the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Now, with Brisbane’s upcoming 2032 Olympics, Gout Gout could face similar pressures and excitement as he embarks on this exciting chapter. Though pressures from media, sponsorships, and expectations can overwhelm some athletes, Gout expresses gratitude for the consistent support he receives as he navigates his promising path.
As he prepares for televised events and international competitions, Gout is acutely aware of his role as an inspiration for future generations. “I want to show the world that I’m Gout and how I’m here to stay,” he said with vision and resolve as he aims high in his sporting endeavors.
As Brisbane 2032 approaches, Australia holds its breath for Gout Gout’s journey to stardom in athletics, marking a new chapter not just for him, but for a nation eager to embrace its next Olympic hero.
