Gout Gout Stuns with Sub-10 Second 100m — Twice in One Day, and Without Spikes

Perth, Australia – April 10, 2025 — In a moment that will be remembered in Australian sprinting history, 17-year-old prodigy Gout Gout delivered back-to-back sub-10 second 100-meter runs at the Australian Athletics Championships — and he did it without spikes.

Yes, you read that right. No spikes. Just raw talent, next-level speed, and a tailwind that couldn’t even slow him down.

The young sprinter, already touted as the future of Australian athletics, ran an astonishing 9.99 seconds in both his heat and the final in the U20 category, becoming the first Australian teenager to do so. The only caveat: both times came with wind assistance over the legal limit for record recognition — +3.5 m/s in the heat and +2.6 m/s in the final, exceeding the +2.0 m/s threshold required for official ratification.

Still, that technicality hasn’t dulled the buzz.

The Fastest Teen in the Country – Maybe the World

Gout’s performance has reignited excitement around Australian sprinting, drawing comparisons to global icons like Usain Bolt, who famously ran 10.03 seconds at age 17. Gout's twin 9.99s now position him as one of the fastest U20 athletes in the world, and arguably one of the most promising sprint prospects Australia has ever produced.

What’s more, he wasn’t even at full throttle. In both races, video footage shows him easing up in the final meters — smiling, controlled, smooth. “I wasn’t even thinking about the time. I just wanted to execute,” he told reporters after the race.

And then there’s the gear situation. For reasons still unclear, Gout ran both races without spikes — a rare choice at this level, especially on a championship stage. That decision makes his times even more jaw-dropping. While spikes typically enhance traction and performance by improving power transfer, Gout’s ability to clock sub-10s in flat shoes speaks volumes about his natural mechanics and raw explosiveness.

A Sudden Star, Years in the Making

Born in Australia to South Sudanese parents, Gout Gout first entered the national conversation in 2023 when he broke the long-standing U18 200m national record, clocking 20.04 seconds — a time faster than Bolt at the same age. Since then, he’s been steadily building momentum, dominating age group competitions and showcasing remarkable poise under pressure.

He trains in Queensland and has already been picked up by Athletics Australia as one of the nation’s top Olympic development athletes. His rise parallels that of fellow phenom Torrie Lewis, who recently clocked a wind-legal 11.10 in the women’s 100m, indicating a true golden generation emerging in Aussie sprinting.

At just 17, Gout already owns multiple junior records and continues to close in on senior-level benchmarks. While his 9.99s won’t count officially due to the wind, they join a very short list of Australians who have ever broken 10 seconds in any condition — including Patrick Johnson (9.93), Rohan Browning (9.96w), and Josh Ross.

What Comes Next?

The big question now is when — not if — Gout will run a legal sub-10. With the World U20 Championships later this year and Olympic qualifying periods opening soon, the timing couldn’t be better for a breakthrough. And now that the world is watching, it’s only a matter of time before he delivers on an even bigger stage.

Coaches believe that with spikes, better conditions, and continued development, Gout could not only break national records but contend globally. Some are already whispering Paris 2024 or LA 2028. Others caution patience, especially given how young he is. But one thing is certain: Australia has a generational talent on its hands.

Not Just Speed — Composure Beyond His Years

What impressed many observers wasn’t just the stopwatch but the way Gout carried himself. Confident, calm, humble. “He looked like he’d done this a hundred times,” said one former Olympic coach. “He’s got that rare mix of speed and maturity.”

Despite all the buzz, Gout isn’t rushing. “I’m just focused on enjoying the process,” he said post-race. “I love the sport, and I’m just grateful to be here and healthy.”

If this is just the beginning, the ceiling is sky-high.