At just 16 years old, Australian sprinter Gout Gout has turned heads with his recent record-breaking performances on the track. His impressive achievements in the 100m and 200m have drawn comparisons to none other than Usain Bolt, the legendary sprinter who still holds world records in both events, and is arguably the greatest track runner of all-time.
But how does Gout’s current performance stack up against Bolt’s at the same age, and what could this mean for his future?
Breaking Records at 16
Gout Gout recently set a new Australian record (as in the overall record) in the 200m at the Australian All Schools Championships in Brisbane, clocking a blistering time of 20.04 seconds. This broke the previous national record of 20.06 seconds, set by Peter Norman way back in 1968. The performance also made Gout the fastest 16-year-old in the 200m in history. Full stop.
By comparison, Usain Bolt’s best 200m time at age 16 was 20.13 seconds, meaning Gout now holds an edge over Bolt in this category.
In the 100m in Brisbane, Gout also made waves with a wind-assisted time of 10.04 seconds in the heats, though it wasn’t eligible for official records due to the aforementioned favorable conditions. His finals time of 10.17 seconds still ranks him among the fastest under-18 sprinters in the world. At 16, Bolt’s best in the 100m was 10.28 seconds, putting Gout slightly ahead here as well.
How Does Gout Compare to Bolt?
When Bolt was 16, he was already making headlines for his exceptional speed, but his real breakthrough came later. By 18, Bolt had become the youngest junior world champion in the 200m with a time of 19.93 seconds, a record that stood for years. By the time he was 23, Bolt had shattered world records in both the 100m (9.58 seconds) and 200m (19.19 seconds).
Gout’s times at 16 suggest he is on a similar trajectory, if not slightly ahead of where Bolt was at the same age. However, there’s more to sprinting success than raw speed at a young age. Bolt’s rise was fueled by improvements in his technique, consistency, and his ability to handle the pressure of major competitions. For Gout, maintaining steady progress and avoiding setbacks, such as injuries, will be key.
One of Bolt’s defining traits was his height—at 6’5″, his long stride helped him dominate, especially in the second half of races. Gout, at 6’2″, isn’t as tall but still benefits from a strong physical frame that suits both the 100m and 200m events. Some experts, however, believe Gout may be better suited to longer sprints like the 400m, given his endurance and running style. But, of course, the most amount of fame and money is with the shorter distances.
Gout has also shown an impressive ability to peak at the right moments, and with guidance from experienced coaches and support from his professional contract with Adidas, he is well-positioned to make the jump to the senior level when the time comes.
However, transitioning from junior to senior competition is one of the toughest hurdles for any young athlete. The competition gets faster, the training demands increase, and the spotlight becomes brighter.
Is Gout the Next Usain Bolt?
The comparisons to Bolt are understandable, given Gout’s record-breaking start, but they also come with immense pressure. Bolt didn’t just dominate the sport; he redefined it with his charisma and ability to consistently deliver on the biggest stages under the most scrutiny. Gout’s journey is still in its early stages, and while his potential is undeniable, his career will ultimately be defined by how he handles the myriad challenges ahead.
Gout’s rapid rise has already made him one of the most talked-about young athletes in the world. And while it’s too early to label him the “next Usain Bolt,” Gout is undoubtedly a talent to watch. The track and field world is desperate for a Bolt-level talent to step in and elevate athletics once again. Gout certainly has the raw tools and sheer speed to be the next great generational superstar, and the 2028 L.A. Olympics is now less than four short years away.
