Gout Gout issues response to Usain Bolt after smashing record | Other | Sport
Gout Gout remains unfazed by constant comparisons to Usain Bolt, even from the man himself. Despite being widely tipped as the next global sprinting superstar, the 17-year-old is handling the pressure after shattering numerous records.
Last year, Gout made headlines and captured the hearts of fans when he broke Bolt’s Under-16 200m world record at the Australian All Schools Championships, clocking in at 20.04 seconds. This remarkable achievement also saw him claim the Australian national record, which had been held by Peter Norman since the 1968 Olympics. In June, Gout improved his personal best to 20.02 seconds. Taking the next step in his burgeoning career, Gout was the youngest 200m competitor at the World Championships in September, where he advanced to the semi-finals. Gout has openly expressed his ambition to win Olympic gold, setting his sights on the 2032 Games in Brisbane, and has no qualms about being touted as the next Usain Bolt.
“It’s definitely inspiring, because to know that the rest of the world thinks and believes I’m looking like him and could potentially be him is something that can only fill me with confidence,” Gout told the Daily Mail. “And to be compared to the greatest athlete I’ve ever seen technically is amazing.
“Hopefully, I can be up to their level and up to the point where we’re being compared because of titles, records, gold medals and stuff like that. My ultimate dream is Olympic gold, hopefully in the 200m in Los Angeles in 2028 and then on to Brisbane in 2032. So it’s pretty cool, for sure.
“I try and study other sprinters, not just Bolt. I definitely look at the way they move and the way they present themselves. Especially being on the biggest stage in the world, you’ve got to control your nerves, control everything about it.
“So I think Bolt’s definitely a prime example because he doesn’t really let anything get to him. He’s a really chill guy. He’s definitely up there in my all-time greats.”
Gout added: “In track and field, I’d mention Noah Lyles, obviously. He’s a good mate.”
The Australian star has developed a strong bond with current 100m Olympic champion Lyles. The American sprinter has taken on a mentoring role for Gout as he charts the course of his burgeoning career.
Yet, Lyles isn’t the only big name giving guidance to Gout. Eight-time Olympic gold medallist Bolt spoke about the parallels drawn between himself and the teenager at the recent World Championships and revealed what wisdom he had shared.
“The talent he’s showing is the same kind of talent I had when I was young,’ Bolt said. “And this is why I’m trying to advise him to be very careful in transition because I had a tough time transitioning into the senior level.”
Gout’s athletic talent, coupled with backing from high-profile figures, has resulted in lucrative contracts. Last year, he inked a deal with Adidas, reportedly worth £3million, which runs until the 2032 Olympics. Despite the potential pressure this could place on a young athlete, Gout remains committed to his ultimate ambitions.
In an interview with FOX Sports Australia in May, he stated: “The limit is just obviously winning Olympics and winning World Championships, and honestly dominating like Bolt did. I think that’s a limit that’s reachable for me.”
