Lachlan Kennedy’s classy act for Gout Gout amid sad 200m disqualification

Gout Gout once again showed the sky is the limit with a sizzling win in the 200m final, but it was a classy act from his rival that stole the show.

Lachlan Kennedy has been commended for a classy gesture towards rival Gout Gout after the pair’s 200m showdown was spoiled by a pre-race blunder.

Fans were glued to their screens on Sunday for Gout’s clash with Kennedy after the latter upset his 17-year-old rival at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne last month.

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But it all went pear-shaped when the 21-year-old false-started and was subsequently disqualified.

Without his biggest rival, Gout was slower out of the blocks but as soon as they turned for home it was a one-man show, clocking a remarkable 19.84 seconds in the 200m final at the Australian athletics championships – albeit with an illegal tailwind.

Kennedy watched on as Gout didn’t just break the 20-second mark but destroyed it.

It not only well exceeded Gout’s previous personal best, but it was also the quickest time ever by an Australian – official or not.

And his unbelievable performance meant a classy post-race act from Kennedy largely flew under the radar.

Watch Lachlan Kennedy’s classy act for for Gout Gout in the video above

Lachlan Kennedy put his own pain aside to celebrate Gout Gout's achievement. Image: Channel 7/Getty

Despite his disappointment of being disqualified, Kennedy jogged his way around the track to celebrate Gout’s win before he shared a Hollywood-esque embrace with the teenager at the finish line.

It was yet another showing of their respect and admiration for one another, and Gout spoke post-race about just how much his support means to him.

“It means a lot. I’ve been racing against him in (Queensland Athletic) shield meets and things of that nature,” Gout said.

“It’s definitely great and the camaraderie we have is definitely great and something that will continue to be even better.

“It was very disappointing (to see him disqualified) because our plan was to send it down the bend and hopefully we can hold on for both sub-20.

“But I mean, stuff like that happens, and unfortunately, he false-started, but it is what it is.”

Gout Gout destroyed his rivals clocking a remarkable 19.84- albeit wind assisted. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Lachlan Kennedy congratulates Gout Gout after the Men's 200m Final (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

And fans celebrated the classy gesture from Kennedy as a video of their warm embrace circulated online.

“Class act!” one fan commented on X.

“2 great runners, 2 extraordinary humans,” another said.

“Lachie got DQ’d shame! That was going to be another ripper race no doubt! Great sportsmanship by Lachie,” a third wrote.