Australian teenager Gout Gout is rapidly gaining attention for his impressive sprinting abilities, having clocked an unofficial time of 19.98 seconds in the 200 metres at the Queensland state championships. This time, aided by a 3.6 metres per second wind, has drawn comparisons to sprinting icon Usain Bolt. Although the wind conditions prevent this time from being officially recognized, Gout’s heat result of 20.05 seconds stands as the fastest recorded globally this year, especially significant when many athletes are currently not active on outdoor tracks.
The son of South Sudanese immigrants, Gout has already made a name for himself with his remarkable running technique. He is determined to become the first Australian to break the 20-second barrier in the 200m event, with a current personal best of 20.04 seconds, just shy of the Australian record set by Peter Norman at the 1968 Olympics.
As Gout approaches his final year of high school in Ipswich, which is close to Brisbane—home to the upcoming 2032 Olympic Games—he has set his sights high. Alongside his goal of breaking the 200m record, he aspires to be the second Australian to complete the 100m in under 10 seconds, currently holding a best legal time of 10.17 seconds.
Gout’s next significant competition will be at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne on March 29. His evolving journey is not only a testament to his hard work and perseverance but also serves as an inspiration to young athletes worldwide, showcasing how dedication can lead to remarkable achievements and the realization of incredible dreams.
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