17-year-old Gout Gout Breaks Records

Australian sprinter Gout Gout has set a new benchmark in athletics, becoming the fastest Australian ever over 200 meters. At just 17 years old, the South Sudanese-born athlete has already rewritten history, breaking a national record that stood for 56 years.

His time of 20.04 seconds in 2024 secured him the Australian and Oceanian record, making him one of the most exciting young talents in the sport.

Gout’s remarkable journey took another leap at the Queensland State Championships, where he clocked an astonishing 20.05 seconds in the heats, the fastest legal 200m time in the world this year.

However, his most sensational moment came in the final when he became the first Australian to break the 20-second barrier, finishing in 19.98 seconds.

Unfortunately, due to an illegal wind reading of +3.6m/s, the record will not stand, but the achievement places him among an elite group of sprinters. Fewer than 140 athletes in history have ever run a sub-20-second 200m, and only seven of them were under the age of 20.

After the race, Gout described his emotions, admitting he had a shaky start but found his rhythm on the bend. He explained that he felt the wind behind him and decided to push harder, resulting in a time that left him both surprised and thrilled.

The moment, he said, felt like pure freedom. His ability to perform at such a high level at a young age has drawn comparisons to legendary sprinters, and he hopes to continue inspiring others with his performances.

With the World Athletics Championships qualification mark of 20.16 seconds already behind him twice this season, Gout has proven he is ready to compete on the global stage. His next challenge will be at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne on March 29, where he aims to make history once again.