The 2025 outdoor athletics season is already heating up, and a new generation of sprinting sensations is taking center stage.
From Australia’s Gout Gout to Jamaica’s Alana Reid, these sprinters are poised to make this season one of the most exciting in recent memory.
As the road to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo unfolds, all eyes are on these six prodigies who are rewriting the record books and setting the stage for a thrilling year of competition.
Gout Gout, 17, Australia
At just 17 years old, Gout Gout has already etched his name in athletics history. The Australian teenager sent shockwaves through the sprinting world in 2024 when he shattered Usain Bolt’s long-standing under-16 200m world record, clocking an astonishing 20.04 seconds. That performance not only made him the fastest 16-year-old ever over the distance but also the quickest Australian in history.
While his 200m exploits have garnered the most attention, Gout is equally formidable in the 100m, holding the Australian U-18 record with a blistering 10.17 seconds. With a rare combination of raw speed and competitive fire, he is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young talents in the sport today.
Bayanda Walaza, 19, South Africa
South Africa’s Bayanda Walaza has emerged as one of Gout Gout’s fiercest rivals. The 19-year-old enjoyed a breakout 2024, securing Olympic silver in the 4x100m relay at Paris 2024 before dominating the under-20 world championships with a 100m/200m double. His victory over Gout in the 200m final in Lima was a defining moment, proving that he thrives under pressure.
Walaza, nicknamed “Baya the Great,” believes his rivalry with Gout will push both athletes to new heights. Their head-to-head battles are set to be a highlight of the 2025 season, with fans eagerly anticipating their next showdown.
Puripol Boonson, 19, Thailand
Thailand’s Puripol Boonson has rewritten his nation’s sprinting history, holding senior national records in both the 100m with 10.06 and 200m in 20.19seconds.
After reaching the Olympic 100m semi-finals, Boonson showcased his incredible closing speed at the under-20 world championships, where he anchored Thailand’s 4x100m relay team with a jaw-dropping final leg to snatch bronze. His explosive acceleration and race intelligence make him a serious contender in global sprinting.
Alana Reid, 20, Jamaica
Alana Reid is the latest star to emerge from the sprinting powerhouse in Jamaica. The 20-year-old holds the Jamaican U-20 100m record in 10.92 and shone at the 2024 under-20 world championships, securing gold in both the 100m and 4x100m relay.
Reid has already gained invaluable experience training alongside world champion Sha’Carri Richardson. She could soon challenge the likes of Shericka Jackson and Elaine Thompson-Herah for supremacy in women’s sprinting.
Adaejah Hodge, 19, British Virgin Islands
Adaejah Hodge may be young, but her achievements are anything but ordinary. British Virgin Islands’ sprinter ran a record 22.33s in 2023, then won 200m gold at 2024 U-20 Worlds.
Hodge has competed globally, reaching the 200m semi-finals at both the 2023 World Championships and the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her maturity and consistency make her one of the most promising talents in the sport.
JaMeesia Ford, 20, USA – The Speed Machine
JaMeesia Ford broke Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s record, clocking 35.83 to become the fastest American under-20 ever over 300m. She also ranks as the second-fastest U-20 indoor 200m sprinter ever in 22.36seconds.
Despite her indoor success, Ford has declared her preference for outdoor racing, where she feels most at home. With her explosive speed and versatility, she is a strong contender for global medals in the coming years.
The 2025 outdoor season promises to be a showcase of youthful brilliance, with these six athletes leading the charge. Their rivalries, record-breaking performances, and relentless drive suggest that track and field is entering a new golden age.
