Australia’s latest sprinting prodigy, Gout Gout, has set ambitious goals for 2025 following his impressive silver medal win in the 200 meters at the recently concluded World U20 Championships in Lima.
At just 16 years old, Gout demonstrated his potential on the global stage, finishing the race in a remarkable 20.60 seconds, bettering his own national U18 record of 20.69.
In the final, Gout showcased his exceptional talent, beating all but one of his competitors. The gold medal went to South Africa’s 18-year-old Bayanda Walaza, who clocked 20.54 seconds. Notably, Gout’s time was even faster than the 20.61 seconds recorded by Usain Bolt when the Jamaican legend won gold in the same event back in 2002, just shy of his 16th birthday.
The young Queenslander had already been making headlines prior to his debut on the world stage, with videos of his electrifying speed and distinctive stride at local meets gaining significant attention on social media.
Earlier this year, Athletics Australia president Jane Flemming compared Gout’s speed and build to that of Bolt, a comparison that Gout humbly described as “pretty cool.”
Following his performance in Lima, the excitement surrounding Gout is expected to skyrocket. Reflecting on his achievement, Gout expressed what the medal means to him, especially as he navigated his first world championships.
“It means a lot because these were my first world championships and the first of many more hopefully and it is a stepping stone into future Olympics, world championships, and everything,” Gout shared with FloTrack.
Grateful for the support system around him, Gout added, “I want to thank God. He wakes me up every morning and gets me out and that. I also want to thank my mum, my dad, my family, my brothers and sisters, as well as my coach and managers that helped me through my training and helped me get here.”
In addition to reflecting on his success, Gout offered words of encouragement to aspiring athletes who look up to him. “Honestly, focus on your dreams. Do you. Don’t let anyone tell you you cannot, and do not let the outside haters get inside your bubble.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Gout has set his sights on even bigger goals. “Next will be trying to make the world championships in Tokyo, if not, I will come back for the U20 world championships again (to try and win gold),” he revealed.
With his incredible talent and grounded mindset, Gout Gout is poised to make waves in the athletics world for years to come.
