'Fuel to my fire' - Gout Gout breaks silence after Melbourne loss, sends warning to Lachlan Kennedy & Co

Gout Gout breaks silence after Melbourne loss Image source: Imago

'Fuel to my fire' - Gout Gout breaks silence after Melbourne loss, sends warning to Lachlan Kennedy & Co

Abigael Wafula 11:25 - 30.03.2025

Gout Gout has admitted that his slow start cost him victory in Melbourne but has vowed to come back stronger, using the loss as motivation for the season ahead.

Australian teen sprint sensation Gout Gout has opened up about what cost him a win in the men’s 200m final at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne on Saturday as he fired warning shots at Lachlan Kennedy and Co ahead of the long season.

Gout Gout was a favourite to win the race and tons of fans had filled up the stadium to come to witness the 17-year-old make magic but he was silenced by his compatriot.

Lachlan Kennedy had the last laugh, crossing the finish line in an astonishing 20.26 seconds as Gout finished second in 20.30. Calab Law rounded up the podium in a stunning 20.78 seconds.

Gout Gout revealed that he messed up in the first 100m and it was too late for him to make amends since his rival had already taken over. Going forward, he promised to address the issue to avoid disappointing fans.

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Gout Gout also noted that the loss was painful but explained that it has only ignited a fire in him to show up fully in his next race.

“Yeah, my closing speed is my gift, so it’s definitely just about building my first 100. Like people say, winning feels great, coming second feels bad and third feels even worse. So coming second just puts fuel to my fire and it ignites that burn,” Gout Gout said after the race.

Gout Gout thoughts on the hype

Gout Gout thoughts on the hype
Gout Gout thoughts on the hype. Image source: Imago

Gout Gout has been receiving a lot of media traction lately, with the comparisons to Usain Bolt adding fuel to the fire.

However, that does not seem to bother him as he explained that he lives for moments where people show up in large numbers to support him.

Gout Gout noted that an athlete only gets to experience that in high-profile meets and he is privileged to experience that at a young age.

“This is what you live for, this environment, the hype, the people, the expectations, the pressure, it’s just sports, right? This is what I go to training every day for, what I go to sleep at night for,” Gout Gout added.

“It’s definitely something I can’t think about. This is an experience you can only get from a big meet, it’s great.”

He added that hearing people shout his name was an exceptional feeling, something that not many top athletes get to experience.

Having just shot into the limelight recently, Gout Gout disclosed that it is a motivation booster to keep going.

“It feels great everyone screaming their name at the top of their lungs. This is something not a lot of people can say they experience, I’m just taking it step by step and enjoying the moment,” he revealed.

Gout Gout top-end speed

Gout Gout top-end speed
Gout Gout top-end speed. Image source: Imago

He has gained traction for his running style and explosive times just at 17 years old and he described the feeling of being in a race and clocking a fast time.

“When you’re out there, every footstep is getting longer, every stride is getting longer. I like to say it’s like you’re floating on air, just like air, just like the wind,” he revealed.

Gout Gout has a long career ahead, and this loss has only fueled his determination to keep improving. With the outdoor season still young, he has time to address all the issues that need fixing.

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