Rising Star: Australian Sprinter Gout Gout

It’s no small feat to be labeled the next big thing in athletics. With excitement comes an avalanche of expectations. This year, 16-year-old Australian sprinter Gout Gout and his coach, Di Sheppard, have been navigating this challenging landscape since a viral video showcased Gout’s remarkable speed and stride, reminiscent of the legendary Usain Bolt.

The comparisons to Bolt have increased since Gout, the third of seven children born to South Sudanese immigrants Monica and Bona Gout, burst onto the scene. While he finds it “pretty cool” to be mentioned alongside the greatest sprinter of all time, Gout is determined to carve out his own identity. “I’m Gout Gout, and I want to make a name for myself,” he asserts.

Gout’s rise to fame began even before he left Queensland, and it has only escalated with each performance. In August, he secured a silver medal in the 200m at the World Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, racing against older competitors and achieving a personal best time of 20.60 seconds.

That performance caught Adidas’s attention, leading to a professional contract in October. He further showcased his talent shortly after, clocking an impressive 20.29 seconds at the Queensland All Schools Athletics Championships in Brisbane. This time not only set Australian under-18 and under-20 records but also marked the fastest time by an Australian sprinter in over 30 years, placing him fourth on the national all-time list and just shy of Peter Norman’s legendary 20.06 seconds from 1968. Remember, Gout is still only 16 years old.

The athletics community is abuzz with excitement, including Olympic champion Sally Pearson and esteemed commentator Bruce McAvaney, who are optimistic about Gout’s future, especially with the Brisbane Olympic Games on the horizon in 2032. This timing could amplify the spotlight on his developing career.

Both Sheppard and Gout’s manager, James Templeton, are confident that he will soon be recognized as Australia’s fastest man. In the meantime, they are focused on keeping him grounded and protecting him from the challenges that come with early fame in the sports arena.

Sheppard recounts a conversation she had with Gout shortly after their return from Peru. He remarked, “What we did was pretty big, hey?” She agreed, saying, “Yeah, it was really big, but we aren’t acting like it, are we?” He nodded in understanding, indicating they were grounded in reality.

“We both recognized it was a significant moment, yet we also understood it was merely one step on a much longer journey,” she explains.

As the athletics coach at Ipswich Grammar School, a historic institution located in a working-class area west of Brisbane, Sheppard has mentored countless teenagers. She first noticed Gout when he was 13, accompanying a friend to a tryout for the GPS Championships in 2020.

“I saw him running on the oval and something about his movement caught my eye,” she recalls. “I couldn’t put my finger on it, but my gut instinct shouted: who’s that kid?”

Sheppard has a knack for spotting talent, having previously guided another Sudanese-Australian, Joseph Deng, into athletics ten years ago. Deng later shattered the long-standing Australian 800m record and competed in the Paris Olympics this year. Although excited about Gout’s potential, Sheppard took a measured approach, initially training him just twice a week while he continued playing football. Eventually, she told him, “Dude, I think you can go all the way.”

Yet, she has been careful to nurture his development, managing his growth spurts, refining technique, and instilling a strong sense of training discipline. She emphasizes accountability, acknowledging, “It’s their journey—you can’t force someone into greatness unless they’re willing to put in the effort.”

Still, Gout’s rapid progression has surprised her. While she anticipated he would run around 20.50 seconds this year, he has exceeded expectations. She’s hesitant to make predictions now, explaining, “I had already planned for a record [20.06] in 2026, but if we stay on course, it could happen sooner.”

She believes Gout is handling the increasing attention “really, really well.” “I’ve discussed a lot of this with him over the past two years because it’s crucial for young athletes to be aware. You can’t shield them from reality, or it will inevitably catch them off guard. So, it’s essential to keep them grounded.”

Every step he takes is a foundational element toward his success, and the road to the top is a lengthy one. Gout’s easy-going attitude has been a significant asset in his athletic journey. According to Sheppard, “He’s a relaxed and cheerful individual, making him a vital part of our team as he consistently brings positive energy.”

As Gout prepares for the Australian All Schools Championships in Brisbane, he will compete in both the 100m and 200m events. His primary objective is to break the national under-18 record of 10.27 seconds in the 100m, a record held by Sebastian Sultana. Given his recent advancements in the 200m, expectations are high for his performance in the shorter distance as well.

Looking forward, Gout and his coaching team aim for a significant achievement in the 200m. The qualifying standard for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo is set at 20.16 seconds, while Usain Bolt’s best under-18 time is 20.13 seconds. Surpassing these benchmarks seems well within Gout’s reach this summer.

Following the conclusion of the school athletics season, Gout will continue his training in Florida alongside Olympic champion Noah Lyles and coach Lance Brauman. This experience promises to be invaluable, providing insights into reaching the pinnacle of athletic performance.

While the idea of training with elite athletes may feel surreal, Sheppard remains focused on the work ahead for Gout to fulfill his potential. She stresses that they are only at the base camp of Everest, with many more achievements to strive for.

Despite his aspirations, Gout may face competition from within his own family. Sheppard mentions a younger sibling who is eager to outshine Gout on the track.

In closing, every accomplishment serves as a stepping stone towards greater success, and with dedication and a solid support system, Gout is on track to make a significant impact in the world of sprinting.