Queensland teenager breaks records with 100m sprint at Australian All Schools Championships

In Australia, 16-year-old Gout Gout made headlines by breaking Peter Norman's long-standing 200m national record of 20.06 seconds during the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships. He accomplished this remarkable feat on December 7, 2024, recording a time of 20.04 seconds in the final, which not only established a new national benchmark but also positioned him among the top young sprinters in the world. Gout's performance came on the heels of impressive showings earlier in the competition, where he also clocked a wind-assisted time of 10.04 seconds in the 100m heats. The event held in Brisbane captured significant attention, especially as Norman’s record had stood for an impressive 56 years since he set it during the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Gout Gout, whose real name is Guot, is generating comparisons to sprinting greats like Usain Bolt and is touted as a major talent for future international competitions, including potential appearances at the Olympic Games. Following his extraordinary performances, Gout received congratulatory messages from notable figures, including Norman's family, reflecting on the pride and legacy tied to the previous record. His father, Bona, has expressed concern over the incorrect public reference to his son as Gout Gout instead of Guot, highlighting the importance of name and identity. Nevertheless, the sprint sensation remains focused on his training and future endeavors, encouraged by supporters and coaches alike who see a bright future ahead. With aspirations of achieving even greater records, Gout aims to break the elusive sub-10 second mark in the 100m and achieve sub-20 seconds in the 200m. The attention he has garnered establishes him as a formidable young athlete, poised to be a key player in upcoming championships and possibly the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where he could further leave his mark on the sport.