Teen sprinter Gout records record-breaking 200-meter win

April 12, 2026

Teen sprint star Gout Gout broke the world under-20 record in the 200-meter race with a time of 19.67 seconds to win the Australian Athletics Championships.

On Sunday in Sydney, Gout became the first Australian to break the 20-second barrier, surpassing the legendary Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt at the same age.

Tough competition and historic achievement

Australian Aiden Murphy, also from Australia, finished second in 19.88 seconds. Both completed the race in under 20 seconds, the fastest times of the year.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment,” said Gout. “Australia has great athletes, and we inspire each other to improve. It’s fantastic to have two Australians finish under 20 seconds.”

Journey to the 20-second barrier

Gout’s impressive performance, driven by a valid wind of +1.7 meters per second, also retained his title.

He broke Ariane Knighton’s under-20 record and improved his own national record of 20.02 seconds.

This was the first time he had run under 20 seconds in valid conditions. Previously, he had clocked 19.84 seconds with wind assistance.

Gout made his mark in 2024 with a time of 20.04 seconds, breaking Peter Norman’s 1968 Olympic record of 20.06 seconds.

Rising Star, World’s Eyes

Gout’s time of 19.67 seconds is better than Bolt’s 19.93 seconds at that age.

“I’m relieved now that I achieved this time legitimately. I know I can do better,” he said.

His main rival, Lachlan Kennedy, withdrew from the 200m race, but he won the 100m with a time of 9.96 seconds, becoming the first Australian to run the race in under 10 seconds on home soil.

Gout, of South Sudanese origin, is rapidly gaining global recognition, and his performances are now being compared to Bolt.