‘Has there been anyone more exciting?’: Bruce McAvaney sees something very special in Gout Gout, compares to Cathy Freeman at same age

Bruce McAvaney has seen so much in Australian track and field throughout his broadcasting career, but nothing compares to what teen sprinting sensation Gout Gout is doing at his age.

TRACK and field doyen Bruce McAvaney says Australia has never seen anything like Gout Gout, the 16-year-old Queensland sprinter who has already captured the attention of the world.

The legendary Channel 7 broadcaster, who has covered numerous Olympics and world athletics championships, says Gout has a “rare gift” which is comparable to Sydney Olympic champion Cathy Freeman.

Bruce McAvaney is all praise for the teenage sprinting sensation Gout Gout. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“Has there been anyone more exciting?” McAvaney says. “Freeman was but he’s at a more mature stage than Cathy was at 16 in terms of what he is doing.

“We have never had anyone quite like him and the potential is unique within this country I think.”

Gout has drawn comparisons with Usain Bolt after he won the silver medal at the world U/20 championships in Peru in August.

He then went viral again around the world on social media with his extraordinary victory at the All Schools Queensland track and field championships earlier this month.

Gout ran a remarkable career best 20.29sec which not only smashed the Australian and Oceania U/18 and U/20 records but he also became the fourth fastest Australian in history over 200m.

McAvaney is excited that he will be commentating on the rising superstar over the Australian summer with Ch 7 extending its deal with Athletics Australia for another two years.

Four meets including Oceania’s only World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meet, the Maurie Plant meet, as well as the national championships in April will be streamed on 7plus.

McAvaney is excited to be calling Gout Gout. Picture: X

“There is no question he (Gout) has caught the world’s attention,” McAvaney said. “The world is at his feet, we haven’t had anyone like him in Australia.

“But the challenge for him and his handlers is the fact there will be a plateau, a dip at some stage. Bolt went through this, they all go through this.

“Sprinting is a very, very fragile game and there are some years where things just don’t quite go right. The upward trajectory that we are all smiling and can’t get enough of is so uplifting but there will be a time where he, and those around him, have got to be patient and understand that there will be a time where it will plateau.

“That is the exciting challenge he faces and for him it is an incredible time because his eyes are wide open. It’s all new and there is a bit of mystery about him.”

Gout will attempt to break more records at next month’s Australian All-Schools Championships in Brisbane.

McAvaney says Australian athletics is in a great position to capitalise on the momentum from the Paris Olympics where the team won an unprecedented seven medals.

“I can’t remember a more exciting time in Australian athletics,” McAvaney said. “Our athletes are demanding world attention, and I firmly believe the sport is heading for a golden age.”

Originally published as ‘Has there been anyone more exciting?’: Bruce McAvaney sees something very special in Gout Gout, compares to Cathy Freeman at same age