As global attention shifts to the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, Ipswich Grammar School sprint sensation Gout Gout is rapidly becoming one of Australia’s brightest and most viral young athletes, with a natural running form and athleticism that reminds many people of a young Usain Bolt.
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Early beginnings and rapid ascent
Born in Ipswich in 2007 to South Sudanese immigrant parents, Gout Gout’s journey in athletics began just a few short years ago. His talent was first spotted at an inter-house carnival at Ipswich Grammar School, where he impressed with his natural running form.
“Gout came to Ipswich Grammar as a full fee-paying student,” recalls coach Diane Sheppard. “I saw him run around and he got right up on his toes. He is a great kid from a great family.”
From these humble beginnings, Gout’s progress has been nothing short of remarkable. In the span of a few short years, he has transformed from an unknown in the athletics world to a record-breaking phenomenon, drawing international attention.
Coach Sheppard said this about him in 2022: “Six or eight months ago, he looked like one of those things that blow around in car yards. His arms were out of control.”
“I can go faster. There is always pressure, but I am just running,” the then-fourteen-year-old said.
Record-breaking teenage sensation
20.87 200m at the age of 15 👀
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) April 15, 2023
🇦🇺’s Gout Gout is a rising star on home soil as he sets a national U20 record 👏
pic.twitter.com/TD702HpIXO
At age fourteen, Gout broke the Australian U16 record for the 100m with an impressive time of 10.57 seconds. A year later, he set a new Australian U18 record in the 200m with a time of 20.87 seconds, which he later improved to 20.69 seconds in January 2024.
In March 2024, he further solidified his status by clocking a blistering 10.29 seconds in the 100m at the Queensland Athletics Championships, matching the heat time of Olympian Rohan Browning at the Paris Games.
Given these record-breaking performances, it’s no surprise that comparisons with sprinting legends have begun.
Comparisons to Usain Bolt
Athletics Australia president and Olympian Jane Flemming was among the first to draw the parallel, noting similarities in their running style and early career trajectories.
Gout, for his part, takes the comparison in stride. “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,” he says.
“Obviously, I’m Gout Gout, so I’m trying to make a name for myself.”
Read about a 16-year-old Sudanese kid in Australia who ran 100m in 10.2 seconds this year. Found the footage— freakin ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/Bz8tYuPkeK
— Del Walker 🇵🇸 (@TheCartelDel) August 23, 2024
A video of his lightning-fast race at the Queensland State Champs this year has gone viral this week. Admirers from around the world are drawn to his dominant talent and an iconic name that’s impossible to forget.
As he prepares for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, expectations are high. Gout himself remains grounded, focusing on the joy of competition rather than the pressure of expectations. “It feels like this is where I’m meant to be,” he says.
“Running is pretty much my favourite thing to do. Just being out there versing everyone, versing faster people… pushing out of the blocks and everything about the track.”
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While the Lima championships represent Gout’s first major international competition, many in the athletics community are already looking further ahead. With the Paris Olympics now in the rearview mirror, Gout represents a bright hope for Australia’s sprinting future.
Published 25-August-2024
