Seventeen-year-old Gout Gout has made quite the case for himself as one of Australia’s brightest young athletic prodigies. He’s unofficially earned a spot on his country’s team for the World Athletics Championships, taking place in Tokyo this September. Gout, the son of South Sudanese immigrants, is an overnight success after two decades in the industry. He electrifies fans with his unmatched lightning speed and unparalleled performance on the field.
In April 2025, Gout Gout was suddenly every headline. He earned his continental title as he stopped the clock in an impressive wind-assisted 19.84 seconds in the 200 meters men’s event at the WA Athletics Stadium in Perth. With this kind of performance, he secured his very first national title. It serves as the second-fastest time ever recorded by any athlete under the age of 20, irrespective of the conditions. His victory at the 2025 Australian Open and Under 20 Athletics Championships showcased his potential and catapulted him into the national spotlight.
Gout’s quick rise in the athletics world has led to him being compared to Jamaican sprint icon Usain Bolt. That’s an example of how incredible his talent actually is though! His performance easily secured him a place on the representative Australian team. It set him up to be a central character in the evolution of Australian track and field in the years to come. With Gout as the poster boy for the sport, he’s set to inspire that next generation of athletes.
“I’m super excited to be picked to run the 200 in Tokyo at the World Championships,” Gout expressed, highlighting his enthusiasm and readiness for the upcoming competition.
He added, “That’s what we’ve been aiming for. I’m looking forward to September and seeing what I can do against the best of the best.”
Gout, originally from Queensland, will be joining an extremely skilled squad of young, athletic athletes on the Australian team. Among them is fellow rising star Cameron Myers, who’s only 18 years old. Combined, they make for an exciting era in Australian athletics — particularly with a home Brisbane Olympics coming up in 2032.
Even at a young age, Gout has already accomplished remarkable feats. His success does more than boost his new home’s athletic reputation. It solidifies his role as a beacon of hope and tenacity for his commune. His journey is an embodiment of the relentless underdog spirit, perseverance and ambition that strikes a chord with every young athlete.
