Australian Sprinter Gout Sets National 200m Record in Senior International Debut

Australian teenage sprinter Gout Gout has shattered his own national 200-meter record, clocking 20.02 seconds at the Ostrava Golden Spike event in the Czech Republic, his first senior international race in Europe. The 17-year-old outpaced Cuban Reynier Mena by 0.17 seconds and finished well ahead of other competitors, showcasing a strong and confident performance that has drawn comparisons to Usain Bolt. Gout previously broke a 56-year-old Australian record with a 20.04-second run and recorded a wind-assisted 19.84 seconds at the national championships, a time faster than Usain Bolt's 2004 mark but ineligible for record purposes. Born in Queensland to South Sudanese parents, Gout has dominated youth competitions and is now confirmed to represent Australia at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Alongside Gout, Australian middle-distance runner Peter Bol also impressed with a near-national record win in the 800 meters at the same meet. Gout’s rapid rise highlights his potential as a future star in sprinting on the global stage.