Why Gout Gout May Follow in Usain Bolt's Footsteps
Usain Bolt and Gout Gout both shocked the world of track and field at a young age
At just 16 years and 342 days of age, Australian sprinter Gout Gout has set a National Record in the 200m. With a series of incredible performances this weekend he is now being hailed as the next Usain Bolt. But why exactly do fans of track and field draw comparisons to the Jamaican legend?
A Record-Breaking Run
Gout Gout’s performance at the 2024 Australian All Schools Championships was historic. He finished the 200m in only 20.04 seconds, setting an Area Record for Oceania. Gout broke Peter Norman's 56-year-old record of 20.06 seconds and surpassed Usain Bolt's World Record for 200 metres at the age of 16. Bolt's time, which he set in 2003 at the Pan American Junior Championships in Barbados, stood at 20.13 seconds.
Many sprinters have tried to follow in Bolt's footsteps, few have matched the level of potential that Gout Gout shows. His style of running and charisma reminds us of the greatest athlete of all time, Usain Bolt.
15-year-old Usain Bolt saluting to the crowds at the World Junior Championships 2002 in Kingston, Jamaica
Similarities to Bolt
Gout’s record breaking 200m race may have been his own “Greatest Moment”, a term that Usain Bolt usually refers to when reflecting on the birth moment of his career.
When asked by the Sydney Morning Herald about similarities to Usain Bolt, Gout responded:
“I do see it. My stride length is pretty long, my knee height is pretty high and just the amount of tallness I get when I'm running”
“I'm just me trying to be me. Obviously, I do run like him. I do sometimes look like him, but obviously I'm making a name for myself, and I think I've done that pretty well. I just want to continue doing that and continue to be not only Usain Bolt but continue to be Gout Gout.”
Gout Gout and Usain Bolt both run with long strides
In his record race he pulled away from the field as he came out of the curve. Much like Bolt, Gout keeps his top speed longer and seems to decelerate late. Bolt's style was often described as smooth and effortless and Gout seems to have a similar quality.
He also shares a sense of charisma with Bolt. As Bolt won audiences with his personality, Gout has also begun to draw attention from fans. His confidence is evident every time he finishes with iconic celebrations and gestures such as the “adidas phone call”.
Among Gout’s iconic gestures, the “adidas phone call”
What’s Next?
Asked about his motivation in a post-race interview, he responded:
“Just the Olympic Gold Medal, being here for Australia. That’s what keeps me up at night.“
His coach Di Sheppard added:
“I’m gonna say that now, that 2032 is our goal for the double”
Born in Ipswich, Queensland, to parents who immigrated as refugees from South Sudan, the promising sprinter signed with adidas and will spend the start of next year with Olympic Champion Noah Lyles and the sprint group around Lance Brauman.
His dream is to secure a spot at the World Championships in Tokyo, as he joked:
“Hopefully, we can qualify for the Tokyo World Championships. If not, I’ll just finish school in year 12”
In the meantime, he will have another year to break the Under-18 World Record in the 200m, currently held by Erriyon Knigthon in 19.84 seconds.
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