Australian sprint prodigy Gout Gout, 17, has captured international attention ahead of his senior competition debut at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Wednesday. The Ipswich Grammar student, who is faster than Usain Bolt was at the same age, faced a room full of international media at Adidas' hospitality venue near Japan's National Stadium.
Gout appeared nervous as he approached the stage, putting his hand in his pocket and offering an awkward smile. He admitted he is still getting used to the press interest and described bumping into athletics A-listers at the championships' hotel as 'a bit surreal, for real'. The teenager, who has been promoted by his sponsor and World Athletics as one of the faces of the meet, said he is aiming to run faster than he has before.
During the 45-minute media session, Gout opened up about his family's journey from South Sudan to Brisbane, the third-largest city in Australia and host of the 2032 Olympics. He discussed balancing ambition with patience, saying, 'I struggled a bit during the start [of my career] but now I know that things don't happen overnight. Like, I'm only 17.'
Gout shared personal details, including that he still shares a room with his older brother, who 'probably makes a bigger mess compared to me'. He revealed he plays video games like Fortnite, Minecraft and Zelda, and described himself as a 'hard gamer before I was a track athlete'. When asked about his favourite food, he said, 'Pizza. Oh wait, burgers. Burgers. Burgers.'
Despite his youth, Gout has already eclipsed Australia's 56-year-old 200m record and is the country's senior national champion. He praised his parents for instilling focus, motivation, integrity and confidence in him, and acknowledged his strong relationship with coach Di Sheppard and connection to American star Noah Lyles. Gout is considering studying psychology at university and hopes to leave a legacy as 'that guy' who inspired people.
