Standing where Usain Bolt does might be the pinnacle of 100 and 200m sprinting. For years, the man has dominated those disciplines, earning the title of greatest of all time. The legend retired in 2017, and yet 8 years later, his records stand as words etched in stone. But Gout Gout dared to scribble one off. At the Australian All Schools Championships, at just 16 years of age, the Aussie clocked a time of 20.04 seconds in the 200m, breaking not one but two legends’ records.

One was Peter Norman’s 1968 Australian record of 20.06 seconds, becoming the fastest sprinter in Oceania. The second being Bolt’s under-17 200m time of 20.13 seconds, setting a new world record for 16-year-olds. Now, as he gears up for the Tokyo World Championship, which is due to start tomorrow, the GOAT himself has to say something about the rising star.

Usain Bolt is in Tokyo and will be presenting medals to the winning athletes for the 100m. On September 11th, he attended a Puma event in Tokyo, where he warned Gout about the transition from junior sprinter to running amongst the big boys. The ‘Jamaican Sprint King’ said, “If he continues on this track, it’s going to be good, but it’s all about getting everything right. I mean, it’s never just easy.” Of course, as the body starts to get older and the competition starts to get tougher, things start to get tough. Tokyo will be a test for the Aussie as it will be his first World Championship.

He added, “It’s always easier when you’re younger because I was there, I used to do great things when I was young, but the transition from junior to senior is always tougher.” Bolt was making history when he was younger. By age 15, he won the 2002 World Junior 200m in 20.61 seconds, breaking world-age records, dominated the 2003 CARIFTA Games, won the World Youth 200m in 20.40 seconds, and set multiple junior marks, including 19.93 seconds. He also spoke about Gout’s future.

Bolt said, “It’s all about if you get the right coach, the right people around you, if you’re focused enough, so there will be a lot of factors to determine if he’s going to be great, and if he’s going to continue on the same trajectory to a championship or Olympics.” The Australian is currently coached by Diane Sheppard.

As for Coach, the Australian sprinter is in the good hands of Diane Sheppard, who says her job is to create an environment where athletes who are serious about growth can thrive, just what Gout needs.

Gout responded with nothing but praise for Usain Bolt.

Gout Gout on Usain Bolt

On June 18, 2025, the Australian sprinter ran the very first senior race of his career in the Golden Spike athletics meet in Ostrava, Czech Republic. Position on the track along with him was Reynier Mena of Cuba, the very favorite for the win, but Gout was ready to upset the fans. The 17-year-old clocked a time of 20.02 seconds, not only to win the race but to outrun Usain Bolt .

After breaking Usain Bolt’s record, Gout said that the comparison at times does get overwhelming, but now he has grown up and, “my circle really helps me stay level and I’m just trying to make a name for myself.” After watching that race, the eight-time Olympic gold medalist also said, “He looks like young me.” That’s as high a praise as anyone can expect.

Gout’s time was faster than what Bolt had clocked in his first run at the same Golden Spike meet of Ostrava, 19 years ago, i.e, 20.28 seconds. “I feel good. I don’t feel any pressure,” he said after the race. Seapking of Bolt, he said, “Who doesn’t want to be Usain Bolt? But I also want to be me,“. With growing expectations and hope around him, Gout Gout’s next step is Tokyo. How do you think he will fare against the big boys? Share your thoughts in the comments.