Gout Gout Exudes Confidence as Rising Star Makes Bold Usain Bolt Claim

Image: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

Gout Gout has taken the athletics world by storm over the past year, with the Australian sprinter already drawing comparisons to legendary Olympian Usain Bolt.

At just 17, Gout has made a name for himself as a rising sprinting sensation, expressing ambitions to dominate the sport much like Bolt did. The young prodigy, who claimed silver in the 200m at last year’s World Championships in Lima, already boasts an impressive eight victories at the Australian Athletics Championships.

Further cementing his status as one to watch, Gout set a national record in Brisbane last December, clocking a remarkable 20.04s in the 200m. Speaking to FOX Sports Australia about his aspirations, he stated:

"The limit is obviously winning the Olympics and World Championships, and honestly, dominating like Bolt did. I think that’s a limit that’s reachable for me."

His confident declaration reflects both his self-belief and determination to achieve greatness. Following his meteoric rise, many Olympic fans anticipate Gout will represent Australia at the Brisbane Summer Games in 2032.

However, his ambitions extend beyond the distant future—he has his sights set on Olympic glory at the LA Games in just three years. He explained:

"The times I’ve run so far could potentially make it into finals—top four, top five, top six. Just getting better and aiming for LA would be a great achievement, competing on that podium against Letsile Tebogo, Noah Lyles, Lachlan Kennedy, and all those athletes. That’s definitely a goal in mind just keep aiming for the top."

Bolt, now 38, remains an undisputed track legend, holding world records in both the 100m and 200m with staggering times of 9.58s and 19.19s—marks that still stand as seemingly unbreakable benchmarks.

Yet, as Gout continues his meteoric rise, eager fans have begun drawing comparisons between the young sprinter and the Jamaican icon. Although flattered, Gout has admitted that the constant comparisons can be exhausting:

"It definitely gets tiring. I’m trying to make a name for myself."

Nevertheless, when Bolt himself acknowledged his talent on social media, Gout was thrilled. He recalled:

"I think he said, ‘He looks like young me,’ so that was pretty great"

So far, 2025 has been an outstanding year for Gout—he finished second behind Kennedy in the Maurie Plant Meet 200m in March and secured the 200m title at the Australian Athletics Championships last month.

With his undeniable talent and determination, the young sprinter’s journey is just beginning. Only time will tell whether he can challenge Bolt’s legendary records and leave his own lasting mark on the sport.