Gout Gout Shatters Australian Record at Golden Spike: A New Sprinting Prodigy Emerges

17-year-old Gout Gout sets a new Australian record in the 200m at the Golden Spike meeting, marking a stellar senior international debut.

Teen Sensation Makes History

At just 17 years old, Gout Gout has already etched his name into the annals of Australian athletics. Competing in his first senior international race at the Golden Spike meeting in Ostrava, Gout clocked an impressive 20.02 seconds in the men's 200m, setting a new Australian record. This remarkable achievement came in a highly anticipated European meet held in the Czech Republic.

A Race to Remember

Gout outpaced Reynier Mena, a seasoned sprinter from Cuba based in Portugal, who had to settle for second place despite winning the last two Diamond League 200m races. Britain's Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake finished third with a season's best of 20.60 seconds.

Gout's Perspective

"I feel good. New personal best, new national record in my first European race," Gout shared. "I don't feel any pressure. Because as soon as I step out on that track, it's just me by myself and what I've got to do - my favourite thing, and that's to run. I just go out there and run and nothing stops me from doing that. (I need to) Get some more races in me and (the 20-second barrier) will drop for sure."

Comparisons to a Legend

Gout has drawn comparisons to the legendary Usain Bolt, the eight-time Olympic gold medallist. Notably, Gout's 200m time in Ostrava was better than Bolt's 20.28 seconds in his first Golden Spike meet back in 2006. However, Gout is yet to break the 20-second barrier, a feat Bolt achieved four months before his 18th birthday.

Rising Through the Ranks

Gout's previous personal best was 20.04 seconds, which he ran last December to break Olympic silver medallist Peter Norman's long-standing Australian record. After dominating youth meetings, Gout has now stepped up to the senior level. He holds the Australian under-16 records in both the 100m and 200m and won the national under-20 100m title last year. He also secured a 200m silver medal at the World Under-20 Championships in Lima.

Professional Journey

Following his victories in the 200m and 400m at the 2024 GPS Track & Field Championships in Queensland, Gout turned professional and signed a sponsorship deal with Adidas. He is now preparing for the World Championships in Tokyo by competing at the Monaco Diamond League meet on 11 July.

Other Highlights from Golden Spike

The Golden Spike meeting also saw other notable performances. Pole vault world record holder Armand Duplantis claimed victory with a clearance of 6.13m, while Kenyan teenager Phanuel Koech set a meeting record in the men's 1500m with a time of three minutes 29.05 seconds. South Africa's Prudence Sekgodiso won the women's 800m, and Bahrain's Salwa Eid Naser broke a 42-year course record in the women's 400m.

Looking Ahead

Gout Gout's journey is just beginning, and the athletics world is watching closely as this young prodigy continues to break barriers and set new standards in sprinting.

What to Read Next

Faith Kipyegon's Historic Attempt: The Quest for the Sub-Four-Minute Mile
Athletics

Faith Kipyegon's Historic Attempt: The Quest for the Sub-Four-Minute Mile

Faith Kipyegon's valiant effort to break the sub-four-minute mile barrier, showcasing her determination and the advancements in athletic technology.

Eugene Diamond League 2025: A Clash of Titans in Track and Field
Athletics

Eugene Diamond League 2025: A Clash of Titans in Track and Field

The 2025 Eugene Diamond League features top athletes including Olympic champions and world record holders. Watch live on BBC.

The Rise and Turmoil of Jakob Ingebrigtsen: A Tale of Athletic Brilliance and Family Conflict
Athletics

The Rise and Turmoil of Jakob Ingebrigtsen: A Tale of Athletic Brilliance and Family Conflict

Explore the journey of Jakob Ingebrigtsen, from his historic European 1500m victory to the complex family dynamics that shaped his career.

David King Bids Farewell to Athletics: A Decade of Hurdling Excellence Comes to an End
Athletics

David King Bids Farewell to Athletics: A Decade of Hurdling Excellence Comes to an End

Olympic hurdler David King announces his retirement from athletics after a decade of international competition and numerous accolades.

Gout Gout: The Rising Sprint Star Compared to Usain Bolt
Athletics

Gout Gout: The Rising Sprint Star Compared to Usain Bolt

Discover the meteoric rise of Gout Gout, the Australian teenage sprinter drawing comparisons to Usain Bolt with his record-breaking performances.

Rising Star: The Phenomenal Journey of a 13-Year-Old Sprint Prodigy Eyeing Olympic Glory
Athletics

Rising Star: The Phenomenal Journey of a 13-Year-Old Sprint Prodigy Eyeing Olympic Glory

Discover the inspiring story of a 13-year-old sprint sensation who is breaking records and aiming for Olympic success.

Ingebrigtsen Family Saga: A Tale of Triumph and Turmoil in Athletics
Athletics

Ingebrigtsen Family Saga: A Tale of Triumph and Turmoil in Athletics

Explore the complex dynamics of the Ingebrigtsen family, from athletic triumphs to legal battles, shaping the world of Norwegian athletics.

Mondo Duplantis Shatters Pole Vault World Record in Stockholm: A Night of Athletic Triumphs
Athletics

Mondo Duplantis Shatters Pole Vault World Record in Stockholm: A Night of Athletic Triumphs

Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis sets a new pole vault world record at the Stockholm Diamond League, marking a historic moment in athletics.

George Mills Shatters Mo Farah's UK 5,000m Record at Oslo Diamond League
Athletics

George Mills Shatters Mo Farah's UK 5,000m Record at Oslo Diamond League

George Mills breaks Mo Farah's long-standing UK 5,000m record at the Oslo Diamond League, marking a significant milestone in British athletics.

Grand Slam Track Investigates Alleged Abuse of Olympic Champion Gabby Thomas
Athletics

Grand Slam Track Investigates Alleged Abuse of Olympic Champion Gabby Thomas

Grand Slam Track is investigating the alleged abuse of Olympic champion Gabby Thomas during a recent meet in Philadelphia.

Simone Biles and Riley Gaines Clash Over Transgender Rights in Sports
Athletics

Simone Biles and Riley Gaines Clash Over Transgender Rights in Sports

Olympic champion Simone Biles criticizes Riley Gaines over transgender rights in sports, sparking a heated debate on inclusivity and fairness.

Alastair Chalmers Aims for World Championship Glory After Record-Breaking Performance
Athletics

Alastair Chalmers Aims for World Championship Glory After Record-Breaking Performance

Alastair Chalmers sets a new personal best in the 400m hurdles, eyeing a spot in the World Championships final in Tokyo.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Dominates Inaugural Grand Slam Track in Kingston
Athletics

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Dominates Inaugural Grand Slam Track in Kingston

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone secures the top prize at the first Grand Slam Track event in Kingston, showcasing her dominance in the 400m hurdles and 400m races.

Karsten Warholm Shatters 300m Hurdles World Record in Diamond League Opener
Athletics

Karsten Warholm Shatters 300m Hurdles World Record in Diamond League Opener

Karsten Warholm makes history by setting the first-ever world record in the 300m hurdles at the Diamond League season opener in Xiamen.

Olympic Sprinter Fred Kerley Faces Legal Issues After Miami Arrest
Athletics

Olympic Sprinter Fred Kerley Faces Legal Issues After Miami Arrest

Olympic medallist Fred Kerley was arrested in Miami following allegations of assault, impacting his participation in upcoming athletic events.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.