The world of athletics has just been shocked by Australian teenager Gout Gout, who clocked 20.04 seconds in the 200m at the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships in Brisbane on Saturday.
With this feat, Gout became Australia’s fastest runner and second all-time under-18 athlete, beating Usain Bolt’s record of 20.13 seconds. However, he also ended Peter Norman’s reign of the national record for 20.06 seconds set during the 1968 Olympics.
But he is not the king yet, as 17-year-old Erriyon Knighton’s world record of 19.84 seconds tops Gout’s record.
Gout is of South Sudanese roots and had this to say in an interview after winning: “These are adult times, and me, just a kid, I’m running them. It’s going to be a great future for sure.
“I didn’t expect it to be that fast. I’ve been chasing that record, but I thought it would come next year or the year after. Pressure makes diamonds, and I guess I’m better than a diamond right now.”
When compared to Usain Bolt’s achievements as the fastest runner, Gout said, “It’s pretty cool being compared to Bolt, but I’m Gout Gout, and I’m here to make my own name. If I can reach the level he achieved, it would be an amazing accomplishment.”
Gout’s coaching crew wanted his performances to be away from the spotlight so he can have a normal teenager life while working to be the best ever, but nothing is hidden from the sun.
The 16-year-old has rewritten Australia’s sports history and equally secured a deal with Addidas.
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