Australian teenager Gout Gout has clocked a 200m sprint time faster than what legendary sprinter Usain Bolt managed at the same age.
The 18-year-old secured victory at his national championships on Sunday with an impressive time of 19.67 seconds.
This marks the first time Gout has legally dipped below the 20-second threshold, following a wind-assisted 19.84 last season, and it currently stands as the world’s leading time this year.
He burst onto the scene in 2024, setting the quickest-ever time for a 16-year-old with a national record of 20.06. Sunday’s achievement in Sydney surpassed the 19.93 seconds recorded by the Jamaican eight-time Olympic champion back in 2004.
Aidan Murphy, who placed second behind Gout, also finished under the 20-second mark with a time of 19.88.
“This is exactly what I’ve been anticipating,” stated Gout, who was born in Queensland to parents hailing from South Sudan.
“Australia boasts such exceptional athletes, and competing against them allows us to push our boundaries. To have two Australians run under 20 seconds is, I mean, truly incredible.
“A significant burden has been lifted, knowing that I achieved that time legally and that my speed and physique are capable of such performances. It feels absolutely fantastic, and I’m eager for what’s next.”
Gout has indicated his intention to forgo the Commonwealth Games, which are set to begin in Glasgow on July 23, in order to concentrate on the World Under-20 Championships in Oregon in early August.