At just 17 years old, Australian sprinting sensation Gout Gout has already made history on the track, however a life-changing phone call from his agent that made him realize just how valuable his talent truly is.
The teenage star, who first burst onto the athletics scene by smashing the Australian men’s U18 200m record at the Junior Athletics Championships with a time of 20.87 seconds, went on to clock an astonishing 20.04 seconds at the Australian All Schools Championships in December 2024.
That blistering run not only surpassed a young Usain Bolt’s times but also broke the long-standing Australian and Oceanian record previously held by Peter Norman since 1968.
Yet for Gout , it wasn’t until interest came pouring in from major global brands that the magnitude of his achievements began to sink in.
The Call That Changed Everything
A few weeks after his record-breaking performance, he received news from his agent, James Templeton, that Adidas had come knocking with a lucrative endorsement offer.
The multi-year deal, reportedly worth millions, would ensure the young athlete didn’t have to juggle school with part-time jobs to fund his athletic ambitions.
Speaking to GQ, Gout Gout recalled the moment the deal was revealed to him.
“JT told me how much they were willing to pay to get me on their side. It was wild. The number kept getting higher and I realised how much these companies think I’m worth,” he shared.
But beyond the numbers, the endorsement represented a crucial stepping stone.
“That sponsorship really helps you get to the next level because obviously you need the money to travel and to train,” he added.
“Especially since I’m at school, so I don’t need to go and find a job at Maccas or whatever to put fuel in my car. It definitely helps a lot.”
Grounded Despite the Fame
Despite newfound fame and financial security, Gout Gout has remained humble.
“I’ve saved a lot and I bought myself a new car when I got my Ps, so that’s probably the biggest purchase I’ve made so far. I haven’t gone wild,” he admitted.
As one of seven children born to South Sudanese parents who fled conflict to settle in Australia before his birth, family remains at the heart of his motivation.
“Long term, I’d like to set myself up and set my family up,” he said.
Next Steps on the Track
While an Olympic debut may still be on the horizon, Gout has already built an impressive resume.
He clinched a silver medal in the 200m at the 2024 World Championships in Lima and helped Australia to a fifth-place finish in the 4x100m relay.
Next, he’s set to compete against some of Europe’s best at the U23 Diamond League in Monaco this July before turning his attention to the senior World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.