Queensland teen sprint sensation Gout Gout powers to huge win

While he didn’t crack the 10-second mark, Gout Gout “couldn’t be happier” with his 100m race on Saturday, with high hopes of qualifying for the world championships.

While he didn’t crack the 10-second mark, Gout Gout “couldn’t be happier” with his 100m win on Saturday, with high hopes of qualifying for the world championships in September.

Hitting the track for the Queensland Athletics State Championships at QSAC, the 17-year-old breezed through the 100m under 20s final with a time of 10.38 seconds.

It was just shy of his fastest legal time of 10.17 seconds which Gout reached at the Australian All-Schools Championships final in Brisbane, in December last year.

But that didn’t put off the Ipswich sprinter, who said he was feeling “pretty good” after his race.

“I got a pretty good start that is what I have been working on. I got into my rhythm and I just pretty much sent it,” Gout said.

Gout Gout of Tigers Athletics Club competes in the Men 100m Under 20 Finals during the Queensland Athletics Championships at Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre. Photo: Albert Perez

“But I felt pretty good at the time it was 10.38. Pretty much my top 10 times in my career so it's a pretty good time and I am still getting back into it so I couldn’t be happier.

“I am hoping to qualify for the World (Athletics) Championships in Tokyo (in September).”

Well before he heads to Japan, Gout will compete in Melbourne at the Maurie Plant Meet on March 29.

When asked about whether he would want to compete at a new stadium in Victoria Park for the 2032 Olympics, Gout said he would “run anywhere”.

“I really don’t mind as long as the crowds are behind me and Australia is behind us I will run anywhere,” he said.

Gout will take on the 200m race in day four of the Queensland Athletics State Championships on Sunday morning.