Gout Gout is being celebrated as the new sprint prodigy. © APA/afp / JEWEL SAMAD

The sprint prodigy with the double name

When Noah Lyles announced a magical finale following in Usain Bolt's footsteps, the sprint prodigy raved about his wonderful World Championship experience.

September 18, 2025

From: dpa/dl

Gout Gout, who is frequently compared to track and field legend Bolt and is only 17 years old, revealed his lessons from the title fight to a crowd of reporters worthy of a world champion. "I think the biggest realization for me was that at my young age, I can already compete against the best men in the world," said the youngster. While his time of 20,36 seconds wasn't enough to qualify for the final, the super-teenager was still "proud."

"That definitely makes me hungry. Knowing that I'm still a kid right now and knowing that I can still compete as a kid," Gout said, smiling. "What I have over others is that I have time. They may not have 15 years, but I definitely have 15."

Comparisons with Bolt

Comparisons with eight-time Olympic champion and world record holder Bolt have become almost a daily occurrence for the Australian. His running style, his lanky physique, his poses, and above all, his times – Gout Gout enchants and amazes just as the young Jamaican once did.

Gout Gout (far left) is considered a child prodigy at 17. © APA/afp / JEWEL SAMAD

In Australia, Gout was singled out as a hopeful for the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane. But things could all happen much faster for the young man, who was born in Australia in 2007 as one of seven children to parents Monica and Bona. The family had immigrated two years earlier from South Sudan – one of the poorest countries in the world, marked by crises and conflict.

He plans to watch the final. US star Lyles could win his fourth consecutive world championship title in the 200 meters – something only Usain Bolt has achieved so far. After setting the world best time of 19,51 in the 100 meters, the American, who was beaten in the XNUMX meters, announced: "Don't miss the final, it will be magical!"