Teenager dubbed 'next Usain Bolt' closes in on Jamaican sprint legend's record
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Australian teenage sprint sensation Gout Gout has delivered a stunning performance at the Queensland All Schools Track and Field Championships.
The 16-year-old clocked an astonishing 20.29 seconds in the 200m heats, breaking records and cementing his place among the world's elite young sprinters.
Gout's remarkable time would have qualified him for the Olympic final at Paris 2024, showcasing the youngster's immense potential.
The Brisbane-born athlete, whose parents migrated from South Sudan, has been tipped for greatness following a series of impressive races.
Gout's performance has catapulted him to fourth on the under-18 200m all-time list, behind only Erriyon Knighton, Usain Bolt, and Puripol Boonson.
His time also broke Australia's under-20 record for the distance, making him the fastest Australian over 200m since 1993.
Gout Gout put on a stunning display to make the fourth-best under-18 time in the 200m
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The teenage prodigy didn't stop there. He also recorded an impressive 10.31 seconds in the 100m final at the same event.
Olympic 100m hurdles champion Sally Pearson has already drawn comparisons between Gout and sprint legend Usain Bolt, highlighting the youngster's exceptional talent.
Usain Bolt recently offered advice to young athletes on the High Performance Podcast, indirectly addressing rising stars like Gout.
The sprint legend reflected on his early career, saying: "When I started out, I didn't understand the concept of 'being great' because I was young.
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"I was 15 when I won the world juniors, I was really young and I was really talented so I didn't have to work as hard as it was just talent, as I was winning and winning."
Bolt emphasised the challenges he faced when transitioning to professional level, highlighting the importance of hard work and perseverance for young athletes.
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Usain Bolt gave advice to prospective sprinters like Gout Gout
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When asked about comparisons to Bolt by Australian media in August, Gout responded with humility and ambition:
"It's pretty cool because Usain Bolt is arguably the greatest athlete of all time and just being compared to him is a great feeling.
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Gout Gout rolls 20.29 (1.2) and the QLD schools champs
— Matt Lynch (@Mattlynch_) November 3, 2024
State national and Area u18 and u20 record.
State open record
4th aus open all time.
4th world u18 all time. pic.twitter.com/CnqA1qSzp0
"Obviously I'm Gout Gout, so I'm trying to make a name for myself. If I can get to the level he was that would be a great achievement."
The young sprinter's words reflect a mature outlook, acknowledging the honour of the comparison while emphasising his desire to forge his own path in athletics.
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