‘The 200m 20-second barrier will drop for sure’ – Gout Gout after winning Ostrava Golden Spike
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 26.06.25. | 17:06
Gout’s time improved from his previous personal best of 20.04, set in December 2023, when he broke Peter Norman’s decades-old national record
Rising Australian sprint star Gout Gout made a statement on the international stage during the Ostrava Golden Spike held on Tuesday, 24 June in the Czech Republic.
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The exciting teenager clocked a national record of 20.02 seconds to win the men’s 200m.
That was his first time competing in a senior international and European race. The 17-year-old powered past a strong field that included Portuguese-based Cuban Reynier Mena, who came in second after winning back-to-back Diamond League 200m events, as Great Britain’s Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake completed the podium in a season-best 20.60 seconds.
Speaking after the race, the youngster noted that the victory was a sign of greater exploits to come.
“I feel good. New personal best, new national record in my first European race. I don’t feel any pressure. Because as soon as I step out on that track, it’s just me by myself and what I’ve got to do, my favourite thing, and that is to run,” the elated Gout offered.
He further promised that the 20-second barrier will drop in the coming races.
“I just go out there and run, and nothing stops me from doing that. Get some more races in me and [the 20-second barrier] will drop for sure,” he uttered.
Gout’s time improved from his previous personal best of 20.04, set in December 2023, when he broke Peter Norman’s decades-old national record. The teenage sensation now owns the fastest legal 200m time ever recorded by an Australian.
His Ostrava performance even eclipsed the debut time of sprint legend Usain Bolt at the same event. Bolt clocked 20.28 seconds at his first Golden Spike appearance in 2006. Though comparisons to the eight-time Olympic champion have resurfaced, Gout remains focused and grounded.
Notably, Bolt broke the 20-second barrier at age 17 with a 19.93 in Bermuda, something Gout is eyeing closely.
Gout holds multiple national age-group records and captured the Australian Under-20 100m title last year. He also earned a 200m silver medal at the 2023 World U20 Championships in Lima.
After a double gold in the 200m and 400m at this year’s GPS Track & Field Championships in Queensland, Gout turned professional and signed a sponsorship deal with Adidas.
His sights are now set on the 2024 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September, but he will continue his build-up at the Monaco Diamond League meet on Friday, 11 July.
