In Brisbane, the athletic prowess of Gout Gout was on full display as he concluded his schoolboy track career with a commanding victory. The young Australian sensation clinched the 400 meters title at the Queensland GPS meet, clocking an impressive 46.14 seconds. This performance shattered the previous record of 47.57 seconds held by Ipswich Grammar. Brisbane Grammar’s Seth Kennedy also turned heads, finishing second with a time of 46.64 seconds.
Although Gout opted out of his favored 100-meter and 200-meter events, he anchored the 4×100-meter relay, setting yet another record for Ipswich with a time of 41.30 seconds. This achievement surpassed the school’s previous best, set just a year ago. Embracing the cheers of an enthusiastic crowd, Gout expressed his determination to excel on the global stage following his school career.
“I’ve been at this school since grade 7 and they’ve definitely helped me. It’s a great school, it’s the school where I met my friends and teachers around me. It feels great, and I just can’t wait to go on the next journey,” Gout said after the 400m.
The Rise of a Young Phenomenon
The Queensland GPS, or the Great Public Schools Association of Queensland, serves as a prestigious platform for Brisbane’s private schools. Here, Gout demonstrated his readiness to compete against the world’s elite, despite being only a schoolboy. His performance at the meet underscored his dominance, leaving local competitors in awe.
Gout’s reputation precedes him; he is already the favorite for gold at next year’s world juniors, having secured silver at the previous event. His only defeat came at the hands of a competitor 18 months his senior. This dominance makes his local competitors both unfortunate and fortunate, as they can boast of racing against a future star.
Breaking Records and Overcoming Challenges
Earlier in the day, Seth Kennedy set a new 200-meter competition record with a time of 20.64 seconds, surpassing Gout’s previous record of 20.86 seconds. Kennedy’s achievement was particularly notable given his recent recovery from a significant hamstring injury.
“I hadn’t sprinted in 15 weeks coming off the hamstring injury and I missed the GPS rugby season, so I was just happy to be back and happy to be running well,” Kennedy said.
Meanwhile, Jonathon Kasiano, Gout’s close friend and relay teammate, claimed victory in the 100 meters with a time of 10.50 seconds. The 4x100m relay team, featuring Kasiano, Brett Dull, and Kev Weribone, celebrated their success alongside Gout, marking a memorable end to their high school careers.
Looking Ahead: A Global Ambition
Gout’s ambitions extend far beyond local competitions. The South Sudanese-Australian athlete returned from the World Championships in Tokyo with valuable insights and a clear vision for his future. His goal is to secure Australia’s first men’s sprinting Olympic gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The anticipation surrounding Gout’s future is palpable among athletics enthusiasts, who eagerly await his performances alongside other Australian talents like Lachlan Kennedy. The 21-year-old Queensland Paris Olympian boasts a 100-meter personal best of 9.98 seconds, the second-fastest in Australian history.
“It definitely feels great to know I have a very big fan base, especially from all ages of very, very young to adults like yourselves,” Gout said. “I haven’t sprinted since worlds, so I can’t wait to go out there with my friends and enjoy the moment.”
As Gout transitions from his schoolboy days, his legacy at Ipswich Grammar and in Brisbane will continue to inspire. His journey is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication, promising a bright future on the world stage.
