Viral sprint sensation Gout Gout once gave the coldest response when asked if he’s the next Usain Bolt.
Gout, 16, created more headlines on Saturday after setting two new records at the Australian Schools Championships in Brisbane.
Gout became the fastest 16-year-old in history over 200m, running the distance in an astonishing 20.04 seconds to win.
In the process, he broke the national Australian record set by Peter Norman when he won silver at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.
Gout’s time is also the second fastest by an athlete under the age of 18, behind only Erriyon Knighton’s time of 19.84 which he ran as a 17-year-old in 2021.
It comes after he also clocked the fourth-fastest ever time by an Australian in the 100m heats this week with 10.04 seconds, although strong winds assisted his time.
“It’s pretty crazy,” said Gout.
“Right now I can’t process it, but I guess tonight when I go to bed, I’ll think about it. These are adults. And me, I’m just a kid, and I’m running them (down).”
The son of migrants from South Sudan, Gout has earned comparisons to legendary sprinter Bolt, due to both his impressive speeds and distinctive running style.
After footage of him first went viral in August, Gout was asked about the comparisons to eight-time Olympic champion Bolt – and gave the perfect response.
“It’s pretty cool because Usain Bolt is arguably the greatest athlete of all time and just being compared to him is a great feeling,” Gout said (via news.com.au) in April.
“Obviously I’m Gout Gout so I’m trying make a name for myself. If I can get to the level he was that would be a great achievement.”
Gout is set to travel to the United States next month to train with Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles.
Speaking after his latest victory, Gout said his remarkable progress had even surprised himself.
Gout Gout is being compared to Usain Bolt (Image: Getty)
“These are adult times and me, just a kid, I’m running them. It’s going to be a great future for sure,” said Gout, who will be 20 by the time the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles come around,” he said.
“I didn’t expect it to be that fast but I guess I ran Australia’s fastest-ever time in the 200.
“I have been chasing that record but I didn’t think it would come this year. I thought maybe next year or the year after that.”
He added: “You know what they say, pressure makes diamonds, and I guess I’m better than a diamond right now.”