World says it all with one word about Gout Gout as athletics legend reacts
The athletics world is all saying the same thing about Gout Gout, as one of the greatest runners of all time offered his advice to the Aussie teen.
Athletics legends and track and field fans are in awe of Gout Gout, and the word on everyone’s lips is his limitless “potential”.
Gout is the talk of the athletics world after he wrote himself into the records books in breaking Peter Norman’s iconic, 56-year 200m Australian record on Saturday at the All School Championships.
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The 16-year-old’s time bumped Bolt’s own previous record of 20.13 seconds down to third spot for athletes under the age of 18.
Gout’s stunning 100m heat on Friday of 10.04 won’t count in the official record books because of the tail wind of 3.4m/s.
The comparisons to Bolt are inevitable given their height and similar running styles.
The Jamaican legend responded to Gout’s runs, telling fans, “He looks like young me” in a statement that will do little to quell the hype surround Gout.
It took Gout until the 50m mark to hit the lead in the 100m and if he can improve his start, the 10-second barrier and Patrick Johnson’s Australian record of 9.93sec are in serious danger.
Former Aussie sprinter Matt Shirvington has also hailed Gout, saying: “He will be the greatest athlete we have ever produced in this country. I’m saying that hands down.”
It comes as Gout’s dad explained his son’s name is actually Guot (pronounced ‘Gwot) and his parents are trying to change his name following a paperwork mix up.
Athletics icon and four-time Olympic gold medallist Michael Johnson has also weighed in, praising Gout’s performances while explaining the importance of keeping a lid on things if Gout is to reach his full potential.
Johnson wrote on X: “Peter Norman was one of my heroes. Hard to believe no Australian had runner (sic) faster than 20.06 over the last 56 years!
“Great performances! Fun to think about his potential. But even with such great potential, realizing it is a whole different thing. The greater the potential, the higher the risk. He’ll need a solid team around him to help him navigate the journey.”
Johnson was in his late twenties and early thirties when he won gold in the 200m at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics and the 200m-400m double at the Sydney Olympics.
His comments echo those of Australian Commonwealth 400m champion John Steffensen, who cautioned against making the leap from junior ranks to senior competition too soon.
“The reality is junior running and pro running are two different ball games,” Steffensen told Code Sports.
“What I would like to see with him is he gets wrapped up in cotton wool and doesn’t get exposed to senior running any time soon.
“He needs to keep learning and acquiring skills, I’m not knocking the kid because he is a beast but people forget that Usain had a tough few years post world juniors.”
Gout has captured the world’s imagination like few other emerging athletes, as his runs went viral and racked up millions of views on social media over the weekend.
Athletics experts have praised his running style where he seemingly floats in the air, gliding across the track with his feet barely touching the ground between his long strides.
They not gone beat this boy ever, he runs to symmetriccal. He riding the bike. Not forcing his power down. Relying on his feet and hips to create the cycle of power. He’s “striking†the ground rather landing. 🤣🤣🤣 y’all gone catch hell with this boy! pic.twitter.com/uECDfmFZDM
— Raes Take TV (@RaesTake) December 6, 2024
I’ve seen so many videos on social media about Gout Gout after his exploits this weekend.
— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) December 8, 2024
And we’re talking hundreds of millions of views across Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. It’s truly remarkable how viral he has gone. pic.twitter.com/cwWcGyynH2
A meeting in space and time just the way I like them… So the 20.06 Australian 🇦🇺 200m record set by Peter Norman in Mexico 1968 stood 56 years… It is now in Gout Gout’s hands, currently at 20.04, as we wait for him to bring it under 20 seconds and beyond into infinity… https://t.co/gOxMWHiZMSpic.twitter.com/3UN8zAgbFK
— PJ Vazel (@pjvazel) December 7, 2024
The FloTrack account posted the teenager’s highlights and wrote, “Goodness, Gout Gout”.
Athletics reporter Tim Adams said: “I’ve been a bit sceptical of the comparisons between Gout Gout and Usain Bolt but the similarity in which they run is undeniable. Just hope Gout is nurtured/protected now.
“It would be a travesty if he wasn’t managed well as the natural talent is out of this world.”
Gout is coached by veteran athletics mentor Di Sheppard, who identified him as a talent, and managed by James Templeton.
Gout and his team are saying all the right things as they desperately try to keep the lid on the teen sprinter, declining interview requests in an effort to shield the Ipswich boy from extra media attention.
Ian Thorpe was 17 years old at the Sydney Olympics, but Gout will be 24 when the Brisbane Olympics take place in his home city in 2032.
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