Sydney had Cathy, Brisbane might have an even greater star

If Gout Gout won gold at the Brisbane Olympics it would not matter if it was held in the carpark at the Albion Park trots – his success would gift the Games its defining moment, writes Robert Craddock.

The Sydney Olympics had Cathy Freeman. The Brisbane Olympics could have Gout Gout.

Age 24. In the prime of his career. A sublime chance for success in two sprint events where Australia fantasises about getting a finalist never mind a medal winner.

Don’t worry about all this chatter about new stadiums.

If Gout Gout won the 100m or 200m in Brisbane it would not matter whether the athletics is held in the carpark at the Albion Park trots – his success would gift the Games its defining moment. Its Freeman moment.

You almost don’t want to say it out loud for fear of putting yet another layer of pressure on someone who still has a year of school to go but every Olympics needs local superstar and we might have found our man.

Gout Gout has smashed a number of records recently in competition. pic: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Gout Gout is different. He may be only 16 but he has big dreams and he is not afraid to tell the world about them. It’s not bragging. It’s fact.

People compare his times to Usain Bolt but the comparisons don’t stop there.

Bolt knew he was good from early days and had a strong idea of his destiny.

Gout Gout had never done a major interview last week but when he did talk he had the inner belief of someone who knows that he is so far ahead of where he should be that with routine progress he is headed to somewhere special.

Enjoy the ride folks.