Gout Gout has roared to victory in the 200m final at the Australian Athletics Championships, breaking the vaunted 20-second barrier in the process. The 17-year-old sprint sensation clocked an impressive time of 19.84 seconds, but the performance was marred by an illegal tailwind of +2.2m/s, rendering it unofficial for record purposes. The highly anticipated showdown with fellow Queenslander Lachlan Kennedy failed to materialize after Kennedy was disqualified for a false start, leaving Gout to dominate the race without his biggest rival.
The atmosphere at WA Athletics Stadium was electric, with fans filling the grandstands and grassy knolls surrounding the track, eager to witness the clash between the two young stars. However, the excitement quickly turned to disappointment as Kennedy, who had narrowly defeated Gout at the Maurie Plant Meet just two weeks prior, was eliminated before the race even began due to a false start.
Despite the setback, Gout took to the track with determination. After a slow start, he exploded off the bend and powered down the home straight, clocking a time that, while not officially recognized, stands as the fastest ever run by an Australian in any conditions. Gout's victory served as a measure of revenge for his loss to Kennedy in Melbourne, where he finished second with a time of 20.30 seconds to Kennedy's 20.26 seconds.
In the aftermath of the race, Gout expressed mixed feelings about the wind conditions. "It’s definitely frustrating when it’s not on my side, but hopefully one day the wind will be great," he said, acknowledging the challenges he faced. This performance marked Gout's second time running under 20 seconds, following an earlier illegal time of 19.98 seconds at the Queensland Athletics Championships.
Gout's time of 19.84 seconds places him as the second-fastest under-20 sprinter in history, surpassing legendary figures like Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin, who recorded times of 19.93 seconds and 19.86 seconds respectively under similar conditions. The only faster time belongs to Erriyon Knighton, who ran 19.49 seconds in 2022, though it has not yet been ratified.
In the race, Aidan Murphy finished a distant second to Gout with a time of 20.40 seconds, while Christopher Ius took third place in 20.76 seconds. The camaraderie between Gout and Kennedy was evident as they embraced after the race, showcasing the sportsmanship that exists between the two rivals. Gout remarked, "Just the camaraderie we have among all the sprinters is definitely great and that will continue to be even greater for sure."
Looking ahead, both athletes are set to compete at the upcoming Stawell Gift, where they will have another opportunity to face off. Gout's victory in Perth solidifies his status as a rising star in Australian athletics, and he remains focused on his goals of becoming a world or Olympic champion. "These are the steps we take to the top," he stated, emphasizing his commitment to improvement.
The conditions for the final were nearly perfect, with temperatures around 27 degrees Celsius, providing an ideal backdrop for the competition. Earlier in the day, Gout had also participated in the heats, where he recorded a championship record time of 20.21 seconds, showcasing his speed and talent.
As the dust settles on this thrilling event, the athletics community is abuzz with excitement for Gout's future. His remarkable performances have not only shattered records but have also captured the imagination of fans across the nation. With the world watching, Gout Gout is poised to make even more history in the years to come.
