Rising Star: Gout Gout’s Journey in Sprinting
It’s no small feat to be labeled the next big thing in sports. While the thrill and potential are exhilarating, they also come with a hefty dose of expectations. This year, 16-year-old Australian sprinter Gout Gout and his coach, Di Sheppard, have navigated this complex landscape ever since a viral video showcased the young Queenslander’s remarkable sprinting abilities, reminiscent of the legendary Usain Bolt.
Comparisons to Bolt have flooded in, but Gout, who is the third of seven children born to South Sudanese immigrants, Monica and Bona Gout, is determined to carve out his own identity. He acknowledges that being mentioned alongside the fastest man in history is “pretty cool,” but he emphasizes, “I’m Gout Gout, and I’m focused on building my own legacy.”
The buzz surrounding Gout began long before he left Queensland and has only intensified with each impressive performance. In August, he secured a silver medal in the 200m at the World Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, racing against competitors up to two years his senior and achieving a personal best time of 20.60 seconds.
This achievement caught the attention of Adidas, leading to a professional contract offer in October. Just days later, Gout further showcased his potential by clocking a stunning personal best of 20.29 seconds at the Queensland All Schools Athletics Championships in Brisbane. This remarkable time not only set Australian under-18 and under-20 records but also marked the fastest time by any Australian in over three decades, placing him fourth on the national all-time list, and he’s still only 16 years old.
Athletics luminaries like Olympic champion Sally Pearson and renowned commentator Bruce McAvaney are excited about Gout’s prospects, especially considering he may reach his peak performance around the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. This timing will undoubtedly amplify the focus on his career in the coming years.
Both Sheppard and Gout’s manager, James Templeton, are confident that he will soon be recognized as Australia’s fastest man. However, they are equally committed to keeping him grounded and protecting him from the challenges that often accompany early fame in the sports arena.
Sheppard recalls a conversation with Gout shortly after their return from Peru. He asked her, “What we did was pretty big, right?” She confirmed, “Yes, it was significant, but we aren’t acting like it, are we?” Gout simply nodded, acknowledging their shared understanding that while it was a big moment, it was just one chapter in a much larger story.
“We recognized the importance of that moment, but we also realized it was just a stepping stone in a longer journey,” she reflects.
As the athletics coach at Ipswich Grammar School, a prestigious institution in Brisbane’s working-class west, Sheppard has guided numerous talented teenagers. She first spotted Gout when he was just 13, accompanying a friend to a tryout for the GPS Championships in 2020.
“Watching him run on the oval, there was something unique about his movement,” she recalls. “I couldn’t put my finger on it, but my intuition screamed, ‘Who is that kid?’”
Sheppard has a history of identifying talent, having previously mentored another Sudanese-Australian, Joseph Deng, who went on to break the Australian 800m record and competed in the Paris Olympics this year. Although she was excited about Gout’s potential, Sheppard took a measured approach, initially allowing him to train just twice a week while he continued playing football. Eventually, she sat him down and said, “I believe you can go all the way.”
Nevertheless, she has been cautious in his development, focusing on managing his growth spurts while honing his technique and training discipline. She emphasizes the importance of accountability in athletics, noting, “It’s their journey – you can’t force someone to achieve unless they are willing to commit.”
Despite this, the rapid pace of Gout’s progress has surprised her. She expected him to run around 20.50 seconds this year, but he has far surpassed that, leading her to be more cautious about making predictions. “I had anticipated a record [20.06 seconds] for 2026, but it may come sooner if we continue on this path,” she suggests.
Interest in Gout is high before this weekend’s Australian All Schools Championships in Brisbane. Photograph: Sarah Reed/Getty Images
She believes Gout is handling the mounting attention “really well.” “I’ve discussed many aspects of this journey with him over the last two years, as it’s crucial for him to understand. You can’t shield them from reality; otherwise, it will catch them off guard. Keeping him grounded is vital.”
Every stride he takes is a crucial part of his journey toward success, and the road to the top is long and challenging. Gout’s easygoing nature has become a significant asset in his athletic career. According to Sheppard, “His relaxed and cheerful demeanor makes him an invaluable team member, as he consistently brings positive energy.”
As Gout prepares for the Australian All Schools Championships in Brisbane, he will compete in the 100m and 200m events. His primary objective is to break the national under-18 record of 10.27 seconds set by Sebastian Sultana. With his recent advances in the 200m, expectations are high for his performance in the 100m as well.
Looking ahead, Gout and his coaches are aiming for a notable achievement in the 200m event. The qualifying standard for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo is 20.16 seconds, while Usain Bolt’s best under-18 time stands at 20.13 seconds. Surpassing these benchmarks seems attainable for Gout this summer.
After the school athletics season concludes, Gout will continue his training in Florida, working alongside Olympic champion Noah Lyles and coach Lance Brauman. This experience promises to provide invaluable insights into reaching peak performance levels.
Although the thought of training with elite athletes might feel surreal, Sheppard remains focused on the hard work ahead for Gout as he strives to fulfill his potential. She stresses that they are currently at the base camp of Everest, with ample challenges yet to overcome.
Despite his aspirations, Gout may find competition closer to home, as Sheppard mentions a younger sibling determined to outshine him on the track.
In summary, every milestone achieved serves as a stepping stone toward greater success. With dedication and a solid support system, Gout is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the world of sprinting.
