Australian teenager Gout Gout runs 200m faster than Usain Bolt did at 18
Australian 18-year-old Gout Gout has recorded a world-leading 200m time of 19.67 seconds at the national championships in Sydney, surpassing the mark set by sprinting legend Usain Bolt at the same age.
The superb performance on Sunday marked the first time the teenager has legally broken the 20-second barrier.
He previously clocked a wind-assisted 19.84 last season before setting this year’s fastest global time.
This latest milestone eclipses the 19.93 seconds achieved by the eight-time Jamaican Olympic champion back in 2004.
A rising track and field star
The Queensland-born athlete, whose parents hail from South Sudan, first burst onto the international scene in 2024.
He already held a national record of 20.06 seconds, which stands as the quickest-ever time recorded by a 16-year-old globally.
Aidan Murphy also broke the 20-second mark during the highly competitive race in Sydney, finishing second with an impressive 19.88.
Reflecting on a historic sprint
“This is what I’ve been waiting for.”
The young sprinter spoke with immense relief and excitement following his historic victory on home soil.
“We have such incredible athletes in Australia and me being able to race these athletes, we push each other to the limits. Two Australians sub-20. I mean, this is amazing.”
“There’s a big weight off my shoulders knowing I ran it legally, and I have the speed and my body to run times like that. So, it definitely feels great, and ready for more.”
Skipping the Commonwealth Games
Despite his rapid rise, the teenage sensation plans to bypass the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this July.
He has instead chosen to focus his efforts entirely on the World Under-20 Championships, scheduled for early August in Oregon.
