MELBOURNE : Gout Gout will compete in both the 200 metres and the 4x400m relay at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, as the Australian teenager looks to continue his rapid rise in athletics.
The 18-year-old sprint sensation set an under-20 world record of 19.67 seconds in the 200m at the Australian championships in Sydney last month, improving his own national mark and posting the fastest time in the world this year.
Athletics Australia confirmed on Tuesday that Gout would contest two events at the championships, which will be held at Hayward Field from August 1-6.
The teenager has opted to skip the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow to focus on the junior global event.
“I know it’s a great stadium and place to run fast,” Gout said in a statement.
“I’ll be competing in the 200m but I’m also excited to join in the 4x400m on the last day.”
His inclusion in the relay team follows Australia’s surprise bronze medal in the men’s 4x400m at the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana, earlier this month.
Gout first attracted worldwide attention at the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, where he claimed silver in the 200m at the age of 16.
The Australian has drawn comparisons with sprint legend Usain Bolt, who won the 200m title at the 2002 World Junior Championships in Kingston shortly before turning 16.
Gout is also considered a major prospect in the 100m, with a personal best of 10.00 seconds.
