'Bolt-esque': Athletics world blown away as Gout Gout shatters records in debut
Aussie sprint sensation Gout Gout has once again drawn comparisons with Usain Bolt after defeating a former world champ and recording a national record at his European track debut. Gout was competing in Europe for the first time in his young career with the 17-year-old being introduced to the men's circuit ahead of the World Championships later this year.
Gout was coming up against the likes of former world champion Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake and Reynier Myer in the 200m at the Golden Spike meet in Ostrava. And it didn't take long for the Aussie star to announce himself to his competitors and those watching having chased down Myer on the straight to record a national record of 20.02 and take first place.
Gout beat his own national record by 0.02 in what was his first ever run in Europe. The sprinter got off to a solid start and had overtaken Cuban sprinter Mitchell-Blake at the turn, but was trailing Myer.
Although the 17-year-old chased down Myer in wild fashion to blitz past his rival and edge closer to that sub-20 mark before his 18th birthday. "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's to run," Gout said.
"So, I just go out there and run and nothing stops me from doing that." Gout's confidence is a worrying sign to his rivals in the world of athletics with the sprinter tracking along the same path as eight-time Olympic gold medallist Bolt.
As a 16-year-old, Gout bettered Bolt's 200m record at the same age. Bolt ran 19.93 only weeks out from his 18th birthday, in what was the start of his remarkable legacy. And Gout is edging closer to this time and is still six months away from turning 18.
Gout has already joined Bolt as one of the six fastest under-20 athletes of all-time with his 19.98 time. But this was wind-assisted. Fittingly, Bolt made his European debut in Ostrava where Gout made his overnight. When asked about the comparisons, Gout was humbled but admitted he was looking to make his own legacy.
"If I could be on that level and just put my little bit of style onto it. So try to be like him but also bring my little personality with me," he said. "Just to know that I may be on the same trajectory and just being compared to the best sprinter of all time is... definitely something I appreciate," he added.
And many fans around the world got their first glimpse of Gout against elite competition and were left stunned at the 17-year-old's ability. The likes of 200m champ Noah Lyles would have been watching Gout as he announced himself to the world.
Dream European debut ✨ Watch 🇦🇺's Gout Gout power to 20.02 in the men's 200m at @ZlataTretra 😎 First senior race abroad ✅First race ever in Europe ✅First senior win abroad ✅Breaks area record ✅ #ContinentalTourGold pic.twitter.com/6FSW00Y933
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) June 24, 2025
This is getting quite Bolt-esque. At 17, close to his 18th birthday, Bolt ran 19.93….Gout Gout's 18th birthday is more than 6 months away…. https://t.co/BDfrDkxAaX
— Greg Allen (@gregallenRTE) June 24, 2025
As someone who's watched Gout Gout up close a lot now, this phase from 50-150 is only getting better. His start was faster, his launch into the turn was clean - this is electric to watch… A new Aus record on his European debut, can't wait for what's in store over the coming… pic.twitter.com/XTIAn64Exy
— Mitch Dyer (@mitchdyerlive) June 24, 2025
Woahhhhh. Gout Gout, who is still 17, wins over 200m on his European debut at the Golden Spike meeting in Ostrava. The Aussie runs down Reynier Mena (Stockholm DL 200m champion) and improves his national record of 20.04 with 20.02 (0.0). Staggering talent and he will soon go…
— Tim Adams (@TimAdams76) June 24, 2025
Think the kids are going to be alright 😳 Wild scenes in the Czech Republic 🇨🇿 overnight. Gout gout improves his national record in his European debut, while Cam Myers knocks down another U/20 national record 🇦🇺 to become the third man in Aus history sub 3:3017 & 19 years… pic.twitter.com/Lu9SlFfv2u
— Mitch Dyer (@mitchdyerlive) June 24, 2025
There was plenty of speculation around whether Gout was going to put more emphasis in the 100m event with the Aussie only competing in the 200m in Ostrava. But Gout admitted he feels he needs more time to get into his stride and there isn't enough room in the 100m.
"I definitely like 200 more than 100 because 100 is a bit too short for me," Gout told reporters. "You get the start and then you're already at the finish line."
"I really like getting out and getting to my top speed and keep holding it to the finish line. So 200 is great and I love it," Gout added. And the 17-year-old wasn't the only one to stun the athletics world.
The Aussies are already making a name for themselves in Ostrava with Cameron Myers breaking the under-20s national record in the 1,500m race. Myers ran 3:29.80 to finish fourth in the race. However, it was the third-fastest time for an Australian ever with the 18-year-old breaking his best by nearly three seconds.
'My fastest races the last two years have been miles. It's a coincidence but it's really good to have a fast 1500m and I'm really pleased to get a PB and my first time under 3:30,' Myers said.
'All 1500s in Europe are loaded right now and a lot of good guys are getting on it. It's pretty good fun to be honest. My next race is in Eugene at the Prefontaine Mile. As always, that will be a great race so I'm really looking forward to it.'
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