Australia’s sprinting prodigy, Gout Gout, has taken the athletics world by storm, delivering one of the fastest 100m runs ever recorded for an under-18 athlete. Competing in the All-Schools Athletics Championships in Queensland, the 16-year-old clocked an astonishing 10.04 seconds during the heats, a time that ranks as the fourth-fastest in history for his age group, albeit wind-assisted.
A Record-Breaking Performance in Queensland
Gout’s blistering run in the heats not only secured his place in under-18 sprinting history but also tied him for the fourth-fastest 100m time ever by an Australian sprinter of any age. Although the tailwind rendered the time unofficial for record purposes, Gout didn’t disappoint in the final. There, he ran a wind-legal 10.17 seconds, smashing the previous Australian under-18 record of 10.27 held by Sebastian Sultana.
“I’ve been chasing this national record for a while now!” Gout said, reflecting on his achievement. “In the heat, I thought I got it, but it was a crazy tailwind, so I just did the same thing and got the job done.”
Joining the Ranks of Sprinting Legends
This record-breaking performance has cemented Gout’s place among the fastest under-18 sprinters in the world. Only US sprinters Erriyon Knighton (9.99s, wind-assisted) and Jelani Watkins (10.02s) and Thailand’s Puripol Boonson (10.02s) have run faster. Gout’s trajectory recalls the meteoric rise of Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt.
Gout burst onto the scene at just 14 years old, running 10.57 seconds in 2022. His career gained further momentum earlier this year when he ran 20.60 seconds in the 200m at the World Athletics U20 Championships. Remarkably, this time was 0.01 seconds faster than Bolt’s record at the same age, earning Gout comparisons to the sprinting icon.
A Future in Sprinting Royalty
Gout’s success has already caught the attention of top sponsors like Adidas, and his plans for 2024 promise even greater achievements. “In January, I’m going overseas to train with Noah Lyles and his coach Lance Brauman,” Gout revealed. “Hopefully, we can qualify for the Tokyo World Championships. If not, I’ll just finish my school in Year 12.”
With a 200m event on the horizon and a proven ability to deliver under pressure, Gout’s future in athletics looks bright. His combination of raw talent, determination, and high-profile mentorship positions him as one of the most exciting young sprinters to watch.
Sprinting Toward Greatness
At just 16, Gout Gout is rewriting the record books and challenging global sprinting norms. His recent feats have set the stage for a stellar career, with fans eagerly awaiting his next performance. Whether in Queensland or on the world stage, this teenage phenomenon is undoubtedly one to watch.