Fast-rising sprinter declares interest in challenging Noah Lyles’ 100m title
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 08.02.25. | 14:34
Much is now expected of Gout, who was born in Brisbane to South Sudanese parents
Australian teen sprinting sensation Gout Gout has set his sights on challenging titles, including Noah Lyles' 100m crown.
Gout recently had the chance to meet Lyles, and declared his intent to go for the ‘big boy’ title. During his meeting with Lyles in January, the 17-year-old also had the opportunity to train with him and his coach Lance Brauman in Clermont, Florida.
Speaking during an episode of Beyond the Records podcast hosted by Lyles, Rai Benjamin, and Grant Holloway, the youngster did not hesitate to make his intentions clear.
"I am trying to show you what's up, I am trying to come out there with a bang. Whatever I've got to do to show Noah I am coming for that spot [I will do]!” Gout said.
It is a challenge that the reigning Paris Olympic 100m champion quickly accepted.
“That’s what I love to hear. I want you to come up to me and say, ‘Yeah, I am going to take your spot.’” replied a smiling Lyles.
Gout has taken the sprint world by storm over the past months, drawing comparisons with eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt after he broke the Jamaican’s Under-16 age group 200m world record.
His best time of 20.04 seconds, set in December’s Australian All Schools Championships, made him the fastest Oceanian 200m runner of all time, beating the record of Peter Norman set back at the Olympic Games Mexico City 1968.
Having excelled on the junior circuit, Gout is now eyeing his first major senior title at the 2025 World Athletics Championships this September in Tokyo, where he hopes to race the Olympic 100m champion.
“It's a learning experience [the world championships], but deep down I'm trying to get a medal, for sure, or even make that final and be running up Noah or trying to chase Noah down," he said.
Lyles, who has made clear his intentions to become the face of track and field, urged the youngster on.
"If I hear somebody [who] is like, 'Well, maybe one day ...' No! It's not one day; it's going to be today, and if it's not today it's the next day. And I'll be here every step of the way.
Like, come on, don't be scared to tell me your dreams. Shout it from the top of the mountains. Come after me."
Much is now expected of Gout, who was born in Brisbane to South Sudanese parents, as he seeks to build upon a record-breaking 2024 that saw him become one of the most talked about young athletes in the world.
He will next race at the Queensland Championship in Brisbane from Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 March.
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