Gout Gout (centre) from Ipswich Grammar School is seen celebrating with school friends
Gout Gout secured victory after being pushed to the limit to claim victory in the 400m final in Brisbane. Photograph: Darren England
Gout breaks his own 400m meet record to win in a personal-best 46.14s
The 17-year-old thanks his coach as he signs off as a schoolboy athlete
Athletics prodigy Gout Gout farewelled his junior career and one of the most dazzling years on the track for an Australian sprinter with sadness and gratitude.
The 17-year-old thanked his coach, Di Sheppard, and Ipswich Grammar school for the wild ride as he signed off as a schoolboy athlete by breaking his own meet record at the GPS Track and Field championships in Brisbane on Friday.
Gout skipped his pet 200m event to run the 400m and 4x100m relay at the meet, and things almost didn’t go to script. Brisbane Grammar’s Seth Kennedy had earlier broken Gout’s 200m GPS record in a stunning 20.64s, and he pushed the Ipswich star to his full capacity in the one-lap event.
Gout broke his own meet record to win in a personal-best 46.14, just a lunge ahead of Kennedy (46.64), who was also under the old mark.
Gout was proud to finish on a high note at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre, where he first captured the world’s attention.
“This is the place where I found my speed,” he said.
“It definitely feels sad, but I’m definitely grateful.”
Gout Gout celebrates in a red and white singlet.
Gout Gout (centre) from Ipswich Grammar School celebrates after winning the boys open 400m final during the Greater Public Schools track and field championships at Queensland. Photograph: Darren England/AAP
It was unclear how much training Gout had under his belt after taking a short break following the world athletics championships.
That he had enough in the tank to fight off such a fierce challenge from the lane next door spoke volumes for his character and professionalism.
“I just can’t wait to go on that next journey. For me, it’s the world stage,” Gout said.
The meet was a landmark for Gout on at least two fronts.
Be the first to comment