Australian sprint sensation Gout Gout has announced his intention to challenge the legendary records of Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt. With a remarkable performance under his belt and comparisons already being drawn to Bolt, Gout is making waves in the athletics world. At just 17 years old, he has not only shattered existing records but also expressed ambitions for Olympic success, particularly aiming at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. His recent achievements include breaking Bolt’s record for the fastest 200 meters by a 16-year-old and surpassing Peter Norman’s long-standing Oceanian record. Despite acknowledging the challenges ahead, Gout remains confident about reaching new heights in global competitions.

In the past year and a half, the young Australian athlete has captured attention with performances that defy expectations. Last year, during the Australian All Schools Championships, Gout achieved an incredible time of 20.04 seconds in the 200-meter race, outperforming Bolt’s previous mark set in 2003. This feat underscores his potential as a future star in international athletics. Moreover, his unofficial times in the 100-meter dash have come close to sub-10-second marks, though wind assistance prevents official recognition. Such accomplishments fuel his aspirations to compete against top-tier athletes like Noah Lyles and Letsile Tebogo.

Gout's ambition extends beyond mere participation; he envisions himself challenging Bolt’s world records. During an interview on Foxtel’s "The Back Page," he discussed his admiration for Bolt while emphasizing his own goals. Specifically, he aims to achieve greatness akin to Bolt’s dominance in both the 100m and 200m races. For Gout, this means striving toward Bolt’s respective records of 9.58 seconds and 19.19 seconds. He believes such feats are within reach, given continued growth and improvement.

Part of Gout’s development strategy involves addressing physical maturity and refining technical aspects of his running form. As a teenager still growing into his body, he recognizes the importance of gaining strength and power. With advice from friends like Noah Lyles, Gout focuses on enhancing his start mechanics and overall explosiveness. These elements are crucial for closing the gap between his current personal best of 9.99 seconds (unofficial) and Bolt’s world-record time of 9.58 seconds established in Berlin in 2009.

Beyond personal milestones, Gout envisions significant contributions to Australian athletics. By targeting medals at upcoming Olympic Games, including those in Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032, he hopes to inspire others and elevate the sport domestically. Although Patrick Johnson currently holds the distinction as the sole Australian to officially break the 10-second barrier, Gout sees himself rewriting history. Through dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence, he aims to secure victories on the world stage and solidify his legacy alongside legends like Bolt.