At just 16 years old, Australian track prodigy Gout Gout has made history by breaking one of the nation’s most revered athletic records. Competing at the Australian All Schools Championships in Brisbane, Gout delivered an electrifying performance in the 200m final, clocking 20.04 seconds.
This stunning feat erased Peter Norman’s iconic 20.06 mark, which had stood since the 1968 Olympics, and established a new senior Oceania record, solidifying Gout as the fastest Australian ever over 200m.
“This is a dream come true,” Gout said moments after his historic run. “I’ve been chasing this record, but I didn’t think it would happen this year. These are the kinds of times you expect from experienced professionals, not someone my age.” His humility contrasts with the magnitude of his accomplishment, which places him firmly among the most promising young sprinters in the world.
Gout’s time places him second on the global under-18 all-time list for the 200m, behind only Erriyon Knighton’s 19.84. What’s more, the young Australian has already surpassed Usain Bolt’s under-18 best of 20.13 set in 2003. This comparison to legends of the sport highlights Gout’s immense potential and suggests a bright future on the international stage.
Gout Gout of Queensland celebrates winning the Boys’ U18 200m Final in a new national time of 20.04 seconds (Getty Images)
The teenage sensation wasn’t finished there. Gout also claimed victory in the 100m final, clocking 10.17 seconds to set a new Australian under-18 record. His dominance was evident earlier in the heats, where he clocked a jaw-dropping 10.04 seconds, although the wind-assisted time was above the legal limit. These performances underscore Gout’s versatility and explosive speed across sprint distances.
Gout’s record-breaking season follows a silver-medal finish at the World Under-20 Championships in Lima, where he placed second in the 200m behind South Africa’s Bayanda Walaza. Competing against older athletes on the world stage, Gout showcased his ability to rise to the occasion, setting the stage for an exciting future in international athletics.
His achievements have not gone unnoticed. Through his sponsor Adidas, Gout has secured an invitation to train with reigning 200m world champion Noah Lyles and renowned coach Lance Brauman in Florida this January. This opportunity promises to further elevate Gout’s performance as he trains alongside some of the world’s best.
“I’m excited to train with Noah Lyles and learn from his team,” Gout said. “It’s an amazing chance to push myself and see how far I can go. This is just the beginning.” His focus on continuous improvement reflects the mindset of a champion in the making.
With record-breaking times, international recognition, and world-class training opportunities on the horizon, Gout Gout has cemented his place as one of Australia’s brightest young talents. As he continues to defy expectations, the world will be watching this teenage sprinting phenomenon with great anticipation.
