Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics, has advised Gout Gout’s management to handle his rising sprinting career with caution. Coe emphasized the importance of protecting the young sprinter to ensure he enjoys a long and successful career.
At just 16, the Australian sensation made headlines by delivering an extraordinary performance at the Australian All Schools Championships in Brisbane in 2024. He won the 200m race in a stunning 20.04 seconds, setting a new Oceanian record and surpassing Usain Bolt’s world age-16 best of 20.13 seconds, which was set in 2003. This incredible achievement also broke Peter Norman’s long-standing record of 20.06 seconds.
Despite these impressive feats, Coe believes that early success comes with significant challenges. He warned that while Gout Gout’s talent is undeniable, his management team must be careful not to place too much pressure on him at this stage of his career. Coe stressed that young athletes who rise to prominence too soon are often at risk of injuries and mental strain, which could affect their long-term success.
Coe highlighted the need for a strong support system to guide Gout Gout through the tough years ahead. He urged his team to focus on protecting his mental well-being and physical condition to ensure that he remains competitive for years to come. If managed correctly, Australia could have a future global sprinting sensation.
“He is an outstanding talent, but I use words of caution here,” Coe said in an interview. “What you are doing at the age of 16, however talented and extraordinary, must be handled carefully. My hope is that those responsible for managing his career understand that the hard years are still ahead.”
He added that if Gout Gout remains injury-free, maintains good mental health, and receives the right support from his coaching team and athletics federation, he has the potential to be an exceptional sprinter.
The young athlete has already made significant strides in his career, turning professional and signing a deal with Adidas last season. This move placed him among the ranks of elite athletes, and he even had the opportunity to train alongside Noah Lyles, the reigning Olympic champion who is also affiliated with Adidas.
Looking ahead, Gout Gout is determined to qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. His goal is to compete against some of the best sprinters in the world, including Lyles and Letsile Tebogo. With the right guidance and careful management, he has the potential to make a lasting impact on the global sprinting stage.
