- Australian sprinter Gout Gout began 2025 by setting a world-best time in the men's 200 meters.
- The teen with South Sudanese origins ran a time of 20.05 in the preliminary rounds at the Queensland Athletics championships.
- The teenager, who turned 17 this year, has been making waves since last year and has drawn comparisons to the legendary Usain Bolt.
Australian teenager Gout Gout set a world lead in the men's 200m at the Queensland Athletics championships this past weekend.
The teenager gained widespread attention multiple times last year due to his groundbreaking achievements in the 100 meters and 200 meters races.
Gout Gout leads the world with a time of 200 meters.
On March 16, Gout Gout delivered an impressive show at the Queensland Athletics Championships held in Brisbane.
The young athlete recorded an astounding 20.05 seconds for the 200 meters, making it currently the quickest time in 2024. This surpasses the previous mark of 20.13 seconds established by Makanakaishe Charambaseri from Zimbabwe.
The athlete with origins in South Sudan seized the front position right from the start and expanded their advantage going into the turn. For the remainder of the competition, the other participants struggled to close the gap.
Zaine Leigh came in second with a time of 22.22 seconds, far behind the winner, whereas Will Hancock secured third place with a finish time of 22.65 seconds, according to World Athletics.
Gout Gout established a national record of 20.04 seconds in December during the event in Brisbane.
He recorded a time of 19.98 seconds in the finale, though it was aided by favorable winds (+3.6 tailwind), rendering it unofficial. In contrast, he completed the Under-20s 100m final with an impressive timing of 10.38 seconds.
"I began with an inconsistent start, and to tell you the truth, afterward I wasn't particularly keen on continuing," Gout stated following his under-20 performance in the 200 meters, as reported by Australian Athletics.
It felt really great. As soon as I exited the curve, I continued pushing hard. It seemed like the wind was at my back, so I decided to make use of it. Then I glanced at the timer, and once it dropped below 20 seconds, I couldn't have been more delighted.
Responses to Gout Gout's performance
@TedBanker1:
Are we certain he isn’t Usain’s offspring? He resembles him closely when it comes to his running style.
@jedzah:
Ha ha, he doesn’t have any rivals on that side, which is unfortunate.
@tealfooty:
There will be significant pressure and expectations on Gout Gout, and he’s still just a young player. However, his potential is immense.
@Knight_Ryders:
I believe there isn't a more prominent rising star in Australian sports at present. Athletics has my admiration, however.
@ChrisWa16949549:
Incredible. Absolutely astounding. The second-fastest U18 200m performance ever recorded. He outpaces Bolt’s top U18 mark at the same age. This athlete is extraordinary. Wishing him nothing but success.
@Karalta1:
"Just outstanding best sprinting performance you will see and to think he’s 16 . Hope they keep him in cotton wool potential to be world-class."
Gout Gout shatters Usain Bolt's record
CDRNEWS.co.ke Earlier reports indicated that Gout Gout surpassed Usain Bolt's 200 meters record in December.
The teen shattered Usain Bolt's record with a time of 20.04 seconds when they were just 16 years old.