Teen Sprinter Gout Gout Shatters Records, Earning Praise from World Athletics President

Australian teenager Gout Gout is solidifying his place among the world’s elite young sprinters after a stunning performance at the Australian Athletics Championships, Al Jazeera reports.

The 17-year-old clocked a wind-assisted 19.84 seconds to win the 200-meter title on Sunday.

His blistering run marks the second-fastest time ever recorded by an athlete under 20 years of age under all conditions, surpassing times achieved by legendary sprinters Usain Bolt (19.93 in 2004) and Justin Gatlin (19.86 in 2001).

The victory follows Gout’s impressive win in the 100m event on Friday, where he stormed to the crown in 9.99 seconds. However, that time was also achieved with a tailwind exceeding the permitted limit, preventing it from being officially recognized as a record.

Gout’s rapid rise in the sport has garnered significant attention, with World Athletics President Sebastian Coe describing the tall schoolboy as a “rare talent” earlier this year.

Born in Australia after his parents migrated from South Sudan, Gout first captured the spotlight in December when he clocked 20.04 seconds in the 200m, setting a new record for 16-year-olds and even surpassing Usain Bolt’s personal best at the same age.

In the 200m final, Gout maintained composure after two false starts, including that of his main competitor, Lachlan Kennedy. He then exploded from the blocks, leaving the field behind.

Following Gout’s impressive December performance, Coe emphasized the need for careful “nurturing and protecting” of the young talent.

The athlete’s physique and speed have inevitably drawn comparisons to eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt.