16-Year-Old Gout Gout Breaks 200m Record, Becomes Fastest in History for His Age

Australian teenage athlete Gout Gout has established a new historical benchmark, becoming the fastest 16-year-old ever in the 200m event. He completed the 200m race in 20.04 seconds at the Australian schools championships in Brisbane on Saturday. This performance surpassed the national record previously held by Peter Norman, who achieved it when securing silver at the 1968 Olympics. Gout’s recorded time represents the quickest ever achieved by a 16-year-old. Furthermore, it ranks as the second-fastest time for an athlete under the age of 18, surpassed only by Erriyon Knighton’s 19.84 seconds set as a 17-year-old in 2021. Gout commented on his achievement, stating, “It’s pretty crazy.” He added, “Right now I can’t process it, but I guess tonight when I go to bed, I’ll think about it. These are adults. And me, I’m just a kid, and I’m running them (down).” He also mentioned his pursuit of the record: “I’ve been chasing that record, but I didn’t think it would come this year. I thought it would come maybe next year, the year after that.” Gout, who is scheduled to turn 17 later this month, also recorded the fourth-fastest 100m time by an Australian on Friday, completing the race in 10.04 seconds. Standing at 6ft 2in, Gout’s exceptional speed and distinctive running style have drawn comparisons to the renowned Jamaican athlete Usain Bolt. Australian broadcaster ABC reported that Gout is set to travel to the United States next month for training with Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles. Gout, the son of migrants from war-torn South Sudan, resides in the Brisbane suburb of Ipswich. The 2032 Olympic Games are scheduled to be held in the Australian city, at which time Gout will be 24 years old.