Gout Gout: Australia's 16-year-old sprinting superstar

A 16-year-old Australian teenager made his mark on history this weekend, at the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships in Queensland.

On Friday, Gout Gout ran a 100 metre sprint in just 10.04secs. This is the fourth-fastest time in history for anyone under 18 years old.

On Sunday, he ran the 200 metre sprint in just 20.04 seconds - faster than any 16-year-old has run this race before.

This beat a record that had previously been made back in 1968 at the Olympics by Pete Norman.

So, who is Gout Gout? And could he be the next Usain Bolt?

Who is Gout Gout?

Gout Gout relaxes with his coach Di Sheppard and his teammates

Gout Gout is a 16-year-old Australian teenager that shot to fame when a video was released on the internet showing his incredible running pace.

He is the son of Monica and Bona Gout, South Sudanese immigrants who have now settled in Queensland.

Gout Gout is one of seven children and still studying at school while training as a sprinter.

It was at school where his running potential was first spotted.

Running history

Gout Gout's talent was spotted when he was just 13-years-old by coach Di Sheppard who worked at his school.

By 14, Gout was already beating the times of leading Australian athletes who were two years older than him.

Gout Gout of Australia celebrates winning the U18s, 100m final

And when he was just 15-years-old he won the men's under-18 200m final at the 2023 Australian Junior Athletics Championships, setting a national under-20 record as a teenager.

In August this year he competed at the World U20 Championships and won a silver medal.

After this he was given his first sponsorship by sports brand Adidas.

What's next?

What could Gout Gout's future running career be like?

Gout Gout has regularly been compared to eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt, although he is yet to race at an Olympics himself.

The next Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles in the US, and many people think that Gout Gout will be aiming to compete.

When speaking to news reporters after his victories this weekend he said:

"Hopefully we can qualify for the Tokyo World Championships. If not, I'll just finish my school in Year 12."