Australian Sprinter Gout Aims for Personal Best at World Championships

Australian sprinter Gout Gout is gearing up for his first World Championships in Tokyo, where he aims to achieve a personal best in the 200 metres. The 17-year-old sensation, who has recently broken the long-standing Australian record with a time of 20.02 seconds in Ostrava, views his performance in the heat, starting on Wednesday, as a milestone in his young athletic career.

“I definitely think PB-ing, regardless of where I come, is definitely a big success,” Gout stated during a press conference in Tokyo. He expressed hope that reaching the semi-finals would be an even greater achievement, while making the finals would mark a significant accomplishment for him.

Despite competing against seasoned athletes, Gout feels confident in his abilities. “I’ve earned my place to be here,” he affirmed. Acknowledging the experience of his competitors, he remains undaunted, saying, “At the end of the day, we’re all running 200 metres, and regardless of how old you are, when you stop on that line, it’s all about who’s fastest.”

Gout’s ambitions extend beyond just this championship. He aspires to become the first Australian to break the 20-second barrier in the 200 metres, a goal that he reflects on often. “Running 19 seconds, you’re up there for sure,” he noted, highlighting the significance of such a time in the global rankings.

Preparing for the Future

After the championships, Gout plans to take a short holiday before returning to school, where he maintains a straight-A record. His achievements have garnered significant attention back home, and he has quickly become a household name. Gout shared his experience of sudden fame, mentioning instances where fans approached him for photos, including a memorable moment when a mother asked him to sign her baby’s forehead.

Reflecting on his background, Gout is the son of refugees from South Sudan and believes destiny played a role in his upbringing in southeast Queensland, the future host of the 2032 Olympics. He remarked, “There was a choice between Canada and Australia. I think God kind of made them follow that path, and they landed on Queensland.”

Adding to his excitement, sprinting legend Usain Bolt recently offered him advice on transitioning to senior competition. Gout acknowledges the need for patience but is determined to carve out his own legacy in the sport. “Just being able to be that someone who started off as a nobody and became someone really, really good,” he said, envisioning the journey ahead.

As the heats approach, all eyes will be on Gout as he takes his first steps onto the world stage, eager to demonstrate his talent and ambition.