Australian teen Gout Gout shines at World Championships with 20.60 seconds

Gout Gout, a 16-year-old sprinter from Brisbane, Australia, has made headlines by winning a silver medal at the U20 World Championships held in Lima, Peru. Competing in the 200m final, he clocked a personal best time of 20.60 seconds, narrowly beating the legendary Usain Bolt's time of 20.61 seconds from 2002. Gout finished just behind South African sprinter Bayanda Walaza, who won gold with a time of 20.54 seconds, while British athlete Jake Odey-Jordan secured bronze with a time of 20.81 seconds. The young athlete expressed relief and satisfaction after the race, highlighting the intense preparation and training he underwent leading up to the event. Gout's performance has drawn comparisons to Usain Bolt, with Athletics Australia president Jane Flemming noting his potential to follow in the footsteps of the Jamaican sprinting icon. Gout himself described the comparison as "pretty cool," acknowledging the pressure and expectations that come with such accolades. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Gout, who has been recognized as a rising star in athletics. His success at the World Championships adds to Australia's medal tally, with the country celebrating its sixth medal of the day and tenth overall in the competition. Gout is now looking forward to competing in the 4x100m relay, showcasing his versatility and determination. As Gout continues to develop his skills and gain experience on the international stage, the athletics community will be watching closely to see if he can live up to the high expectations set by his remarkable performance in Lima.