Australia’s prospect Gout Gout went viral after clocking 10.29 seconds in the 100m at 16. With eyes on the LA 2028 Olympics, his bigger target is the 2032 Games in his home country
Rising Australian prospect, Gout Gout
Athletics, often hailed as the queen of sports, brought us unforgettable moments of triumph and drama at the last Olympic Games. However, since Usain Bolt's retirement, the sport has struggled with a void that seems impossible to fill. Bolt, the greatest sprinter in history, set a standard that few can hope to reach. Much like the legacies of Michael Jordan in basketball or Lionel Messi in soccer, the search for his true successor might remain elusive, leaving us to wonder if anyone can ever truly step into his shoes.
Recently making headlines is 16-year-old Australian sprinter Gout Gout, who clocked an impressive 10.29 seconds in the 100-meter race in Queensland, Australia—an extraordinary feat for someone his age. Of Sudanese origin, Gout Gout has been recognized as a rising star from a young age. At just 15, he claimed victory in the Australian Under-18 Championship for the 200 meters, setting a new national record in the process. One user humorously noted on X, "He’s so good they had to say his name twice". Another remarked, “Moves like Bolt. It’s scintillating”.
After a video of Gout Gout running went viral, he was quickly compared to Usain Bolt, sparking excitement about his potential. While it’s possible that we might see him on the track at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the bigger target is likely the 2032 Olympic Games in Australia, his home country.
By the time the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics arrive, Gout Gout will be 20 years old, and though his career is still in its early stages, his focus is undoubtedly on making his mark in the States. The following Olympiad, set to take place in his home state of Queensland at Brisbane 2032, presents an even more exciting prospect. By then, he will have gained substantial experience, positioning himself as a serious contender on the global stage.
"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. Obviously, I’m Gout Gout, so I’m trying to make a name for myself. If I can get to the level he was, that would be a great achievement," Gout said at the national championships in April.
"You have to understand that he is not yet at the stage where he has full control even over his running style," said his coach, Diane Sheppard. "When he started training with us, it seemed as if his arms were flying from side to side. But he has the right attitude and work ethic, and it comes together with natural talent. The most important thing for me in young athletes is modesty, and he has that in abundance."
With another user on X expressing, "Even the name sounds iconic already," the future is undoubtedly bright for Gout Gout—a name you’re sure to hear again.
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