Australian Olympian Jane Flemming has sparked major buzz in the world of athletics by declaring that 16-year-old sprint sensation Gout Gout could be the next Usain Bolt. Flemming’s comparison comes after Gout went viral for his electrifying performance at the Queensland Athletics Championships, where he dominated the 100-meter event with a blazing time of 10.29 seconds.
17-year-old Usain Bolt pic.twitter.com/Qvtcf8Z57i
— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) February 6, 2024
Flemming, who competed in track and field for Australia, told 2GB’s Wide World of Sports Radio that Gout shares striking similarities with the eight-time Olympic champion Bolt, both in his physical build and running style.
“If I’ve ever seen anybody run like Usain Bolt and [be] built like him, it’s Gout Gout,” Flemming said. “He’s only 16, and he’s already broken our national under-18 record. He’s running not dissimilar times to what Bolt did at the same age.”
Gout plays it cool with comparisons
The South Sudanese-born Australian athlete further proved his talent by smashing the under-18 200m national record at the Australian junior titles, clocking 20.87 seconds and besting the previous record shared by Darren Clark, Paul Greene, and Zane Branco.
For context, Usain Bolt ran the 200m in 20.58 seconds when he was just 15 years old, adding to the growing belief that Gout could be following in Bolt’s legendary footsteps.
Gout, who has been inundated with comparisons to Bolt since his viral moment, has taken the praise in stride. While acknowledging the flattering comparison, he’s also focused on forging his own path.
“It’s pretty cool because Usain Bolt is arguably the greatest athlete of all time, and just being compared to him is a great feeling,”Gout told news.com.au. “Obviously, I’m Gout Gout, so I’m trying to make a name for myself. If I can get to the level he was, that would be a great achievement.”
17-year-old Usain Bolt pic.twitter.com/Qvtcf8Z57i
— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) February 6, 2024
Bolt is not in Gout’s altar
Interestingly, Gout doesn’t list Bolt among his personal favorites. Instead, he names American sprinters Erriyon Knighton and Noah Lyles as his top inspirations. Though the comparisons to Bolt are impossible to ignore, Gout is determined to write his own legacy in track and field.
With his viral performances and the support of influential figures like Flemming, Gout Gout is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting young talents in track and field.
As the world watches closely, the question remains: Could this 16-year-old truly be the next Usain Bolt? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear-Gout Gout is sprinting toward greatness.
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