Australian teenager Gout Gout set a world lead in the men’s 200m at the Queensland Athletics championships this past weekend. The 17-year-old went viral several times last year for his record-breaking performances in the 100m and 200m. Gout Gout continues to showcase his talent. Photo by Albert Perez. Source: Getty Images Gout Gout sets 200m world lead On Sunday, March 16, Gout Gout produced another eye-catching performance at the Queensland Athletics Championships in Brisbane. The youngster clocked an incredible 20.05 second over the 200m which is now the fastest time in 2024.
He eclipsed the time of 20.13 seconds set by Makanakaishe Charambaset of Zimbabwe. The sprinter, who has South Sudanese roots, took the lead early on and took a commanding lead at the bend. The rest of the field were playing catchup for the rest of the race. Zaine Leigh finished a distant second with a time of 22.22 seconds, while Will Hancock crossed the line in third place in 22.65 seconds, per World Athletics. Gout Gout set a national record of 20.04 seconds in December in Brisbane. He clocked 19.98 seconds in the final but it was wind-assisted (+3.6 tailwind), meaning it is not legal. He clocked 10.38 seconds to win the Under-20s 100m final. “I had an unsteady start, and to be honest, after that I didn’t really feel like running,” Gout said after his sub-20 performance in the 200m, per Australian Athletics. “But it felt pretty good. I came off the bend and I just kept sending it. I felt the wind behind me, so I was like, let me just use it. And then I saw the clock, and when it got rounded down (to a sub-20 time), I just couldn’t be happier.”
Reactions to Gout Gout’s performance @TedBanker1: “We sure he’s not Usain’s son?! Spitting image in terms of running technique.” @jedzah: “Lols he has no competition that side unfortunately.” @tealfooty: “There’ll be a lot of pressure & expectation on Gout Gout; and he’s still a kid. But the potential is enormous.” @Knight_Ryders: “I don’t think there is a bigger emerging star in Australian sport right now. I love athletics though.” Gout Gout has South Sudanese roots and have been tipped to break more records. @ChrisWa16949549: “Unbelievable. Mind boggling. Second fastest U18 200m of all time. Beats Bolt’s U18 best at age 16. This guy is a freak. I wish him the absolute best.” @Karalta1: “Just outstanding best sprinting performance you will see and to think he’s 16 . Hope they keep him in cotton wool potential to be world-class.” Gout Gout breaks Usain Bolt’s record TUKO.co.ke earlier reported that Gout Gout broke Usain Bolt’s record 200m record in December. The teenager clocked 20.04 seconds to break Usain Bolt’s record at 16 years old.
by Edwin Kiplagat
