13 hours ago
Gout Gout delivers another record run on European debut in Ostrava
Another record fell as Gout Gout announced himself on the senior international stage with a new national record of 20.02s over 200m at the Ostrava Golden Spike meet in the Czech Republic.
Gout bettered his own Australian record in a field stacked with high-quality sprinters after chasing down Cuba's Reynier Mena over the final 20m to cross the line 0.17s ahead of his nearest rival.
The 17-year-old's victory comes at the same meet where Usain Bolt also made his European debut at 17.
'I've felt stronger in training these last couple of months and I've felt good since I got to Europe last Thursday,' said Gout, who rose to joint sixth on the world Under-20 200m all-time list.
'I knew Mena would come hard at me the first 100 but I was confident I'd be close enough to come home strongly in the second part of the race, which is of course my stronger part.
'I felt calm but strong as I came off the turn and was confident I'd be strong enough to get the win. Another national record. Pretty happy with that, it's not a bad first up in Europe.'
On a strong night for Australia, Cam Myers was also in record-breaking form, the 18-year-old bettering his own Australian Under-20 1500m mark by nearly three seconds.
Myers finished fourth to move to third on the all-time Australian list, just 0.39s behind current record holder Ollie Hoare.
'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.'
More to follow.
