Australian Sprinter Gout Gout is determined to carve out his own identity in the world of track and field.
His journey to stardom began not on an international stage, but at a humble school interhouse competition.
Speaking to 7NEWS, the Queenslander recalled the pivotal moment when he defeated a reigning state champion, catching the eye of coach Di Sheppard.
“I was against the state champion for his age group—he was a year younger than me. I beat him, and coach came up to me and said, ‘I believe you can be someone, one of the fastest in Australia, fastest in the world.’ That really touched me,” he revealed.
“From then, I’ve been training with coach, and we’ve just been building on that.”
The U20 silver medalist shattered Peter Norman’s 200m Australian record of 20.04 seconds in December and recently clocked a wind-assisted 19.98 in Brisbane.
His explosive performances have drawn inevitable comparisons to eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt, but Gout remains focused on forging his own identity.
“At times it does get a bit overwhelming, but now that I’ve grown up, I’m more mature. My circle helps me stay level. I’m just trying to make a name for myself,” he said.
The 17 year old also revealed his ambitions in the future championships.
“My dream is to be one of the best athletes track and field and Australia has ever seen. I want to go to the 2028 Olympics in LA. I want to go to the Brisbane Olympics. And I just want to show the world that I’m Gout, that I’m here to stay.”
Coach Di Sheppard, who has guided Gout since that fateful school race, speaks with unwavering conviction about his potential.
“When we talk about it, it’s not ‘might’—it’s ‘when,” she said.
On his part Australian sports commentator Bruce McAvaney, a veteran observer of the nation’s athletics scene, believes Gout is a once-in-a-generation talent.
“He’s doing what we thought might be impossible. We’re all very, very excited about what the future might bring,” McAvaney said.
The Australian sprint prodigy is set for his potential debut against senior competitors at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne this Saturday March 29.