Brisbane’s track and field scene witnessed history on Saturday as 16-year-old Gout Gout blazed past Usain Bolt’s long-standing record to become the fastest teenager ever in the 200m. Competing at the Australian All Schools Championships, Gout clocked an incredible 20.04 seconds, eclipsing Bolt’s 20.13-second mark set in 2003.
This remarkable feat not only places Gout in the record books but also makes him the youngest sprinter to achieve the qualifying standard for next year’s World Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Tokyo. “These are adult times, and I’m just a kid running them,” Gout said, reflecting on his historic performance. “It’s going to be a great future for sure.”
In addition to surpassing Bolt’s teenage record, Gout broke Australia’s all-time 200m record of 20.06, set by Peter Norman at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. Norman’s iconic silver-medal run became a symbol of solidarity with the civil rights movement, but Gout’s achievement brings a fresh chapter to Australia’s sprinting legacy.
“I’ve been chasing this record, but I didn’t think it would come this year,” Gout admitted. “Maybe next year or the year after. But here we are.”
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Born in Brisbane to South Sudanese parents, Gout has rapidly ascended the ranks of international sprinting. In August, he took silver in the 200m at the World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, with a then-personal best of 20.60 seconds. His meteoric rise continued in October when he signed a professional deal with Adidas.
The young sprinter’s charisma and confidence are as striking as his speed. Reflecting on the pressure of going viral before the World Juniors, Gout said, “Pressure makes diamonds, and I guess I’m better than a diamond right now.”
Gout’s performances have drawn attention from some of the biggest names in athletics. Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles recently congratulated Gout on Instagram after he posted a wind-aided 10.04 in the 100m, followed by a wind-legal personal best of 10.17.
“Congratulations on your many GREAT moments this year,” Lyles wrote. “I also heard you are planning to come train with the group for a few weeks. See you soon.”
As Gout prepares to turn 17 on December 29, his focus remains on incremental improvement. “We just take little steps — beat my PB by 0.01 or 0.02. Chasing that big sub-20 will be great, but I’m not expecting too much,” he said.
With his record-breaking performance and an unwavering determination, Gout Gout is proving to be a force to reckon with, not just in Australia but on the global stage. His journey is a testament to raw talent, hard work, and the pursuit of greatnes