Who is Gout Gout? Australian sprinter emerges as country's next track star at World Athletics U20 Championships

Jed Wells

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Who is Gout Gout? Australian sprinter emerges as country's next track star at World Athletics U20 Championships image

Australia looks to have a new track sensation on its hands, with teenager Gout Gout currently emerging in a massive way. 

Currently competing at the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships, Gout has quickly proved himself as one of the most impressive up-and-coming names in track and field, obliterating competition in a number of distances. 

So who is this Australian track star, and just how high can he rise?

Who is Gout Gout?

Gout Gout is an Australian sprinter, who competes primarily in the 100m and 200m. 

Born in Ipswich, Queensland, the youngster has quickly become one of the most exciting names in the sport, most recently going viral after he obliterated the field in his 200m heat at the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships. 

Gout ran the 200m in 20.77 seconds, finishing with broad daylight behind him, and sending Australian athletics fans into a frenzy.

Earlier this year, he emerged as a potential superstar after a video circulated of him running a personal-best of 10.29 seconds in the 100m. 

He is the current holder of the Australian U16 record in both the 100m and 200m, as well as the U18 200m, which he broke at just 15 years old. 

A genuine chance to take gold in the 200m, Gout's efforts have already prompted comparisons from some to another dominant 200m runner - Usain Bolt. 

"It’s pretty cool because Usain Bolt is arguably the greatest athlete of all time and just being compared to him is a great feeling," Gout said when asked about the comparisons.

"Obviously I’m Gout Gout so I’m trying make a name for myself. If I can get to the level he was that would be a great achievement."

He backed up his brilliant performances in the 200m final, where he recovered from a slow start to claim the silver medal as well as a new personal best in the event.

How old is Gout Gout?

Despite already being a commanding force at the U20 World Championships, Gout Gout is still just 16 years old. 

He was born on December 29, 2007, just under a year before Usain Bolt won his first Olympic title in Beijing. 

This means Gout will be 20 when the LA Olympics roll around in 2028, and could be entering his peak at 24 just in time for a hometown Brisbane Olympics in 2032. 

Jed Wells

Jed Wells Photo

Jed is a writer and social media producer, who has a keen interest in the intersection of sports and popular culture, especially basketball.