Sprint sensation Gout Gout has expressed his sympathy for fellow athlete Lachlan Kennedy after his disqualification in the 200m event at the Australian Athletics Championships in Perth. The two athletes, who are fast becoming rivals on the track, were both aiming for a sub-20-second performance in the 200m race. Unfortunately, Kennedy missed out on the opportunity due to a false start.
Gout Gout, who is known for his blistering speed, shared his frustration after seeing his rival’s disappointment. The 17-year-old Australian sprinter, who has garnered attention for his remarkable performances, reflected on the unfortunate event with a sense of empathy. “It was very disappointing,” Gout Gout said. “Our plan was to push hard on the bend, and hopefully, both of us could go under 20 seconds. But sometimes things like this happen, and unfortunately, Lachlan false-started. It is what it is.”
Despite the competitive nature of their rivalry, Gout Gout made it clear that their friendship transcends the track. The two athletes have developed a strong camaraderie, with scenes of Kennedy joyfully leaping into the arms of Gout Gout after a recent race highlighting their close bond. Even as they battle on the track for supremacy, they remain friends who share a mutual respect for one another’s achievements.
Kennedy, 21, has proven himself to be a formidable sprinter, with impressive personal bests of 10.00 seconds in the 100m and 20.26 seconds in the 200m. Both of these times were set in the weeks leading up to the Australian Championships. However, his false start in the 200m event in Perth meant that he would not have the chance to further challenge Gout Gout in the race.
For Gout Gout, the 2025 Australian Athletics Championships were a bittersweet experience. The young sprinter came incredibly close to officially breaking the 20-second barrier in the 200m but was once again frustrated by the wind conditions. Despite running a blistering 19.84 seconds, the +2.2m/s tailwind meant that his time would not be recognized as an official sub-20 second run. Still, Gout Gout’s performance solidified his place as the second-fastest Under-20 sprinter in history.
The young Australian’s astonishing performance came just days after his incredible 9.99-second 100m sprint, which was also disqualified due to the wind, which exceeded the legal limit at +3.5m/s. The setback was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of track and field events, where weather conditions can have a significant impact on performance. However, Gout Gout remains optimistic about his future prospects, despite these frustrating setbacks.
“It’s definitely frustrating,” Gout Gout admitted after learning that his 200m time would not count. “I run fast times, but the wind is just not on my side. But I guess it’s about getting those great runs in, and hopefully, one day, the wind will be perfect, and everything will align.”
Despite the frustrations, Gout Gout’s rise in the world of athletics continues to capture the imagination of fans around the globe. His incredible sprinting talent and determination have already made him a standout in Australian athletics, and many believe that it’s only a matter of time before he officially breaks the elusive 20-second barrier. Thousands gathered at the Perth track to witness the young sprinter’s performance, and his rapid rise to prominence is sure to make waves in the world of track and field for years to come.
