One of the most exciting young athletes in the world, Gout Gout became an internet sensation after winning a silver medal with his best-ever time in the 200m race at the world U20 athletics championships.
At just 16 years old, Gout Gout ran the distance of 200m in 20.60 seconds in Lima. Gout went past his own national U18 record of 20.69 as he stormed last everyone to defeat every rival except 18-year-old South African Bayanda Walaza (20.54).
Gout Gout Breaks Records at World U20 Championships
It has to be noted that Usain Bolt’s gold-medal time in the 200m final race in 2002, when the GOAT athlete was about to turn 16, was 20.61.
Gout Gout, who is one of the seven kids to parents, was born in Brisbane, Australia. His parents had migrated to Australia from South Sudan before his birth.
Gout rose to fame and gained the attention of the world before his debut in the global championship after a video of his sensational pace and stunning stride at home meets went viral on the internet.
All thanks to his sensational speed, Gout has earned the title of Usain Bolt 2.0.
Athletics Australia president Jane Flemming also compared the young sprinter’s speed and build to the legendary Usain Bolt earlier this year, which Gout thought was really cool.
The excitement and hype around the performance of the teenage sprinter are expected to increase even more after his impressive performances.
“I feel really relieved after a long two weeks of being in Lima,” Gout said. “I’ve been training, grinding and waiting patiently for this moment to happen. Now that it’s done, I’m really glad and ready to rest up for the relay.”
Meanwhile, Paris Olympics semi-finalist Torrie Lewis also received a silver medal as he produced a personal best record of 22.88 in the women’s 200m final.
Lewis’ performance in the competition was another highlight in the session, which witnessed Australians winning six medals at the World Junior Championships.
“I’m just so glad I came away with a PB,” Lewis said. “It’s all I wanted and there is nothing better I could have done. To finally finish off my junior career; this will probably be my last race running as a junior specifically in an individual event. I’ve never been on a podium of this magnitude and this is the first time having a flag around myself.”
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