'I'm just trying to be myself'- Gout Gout sets his own path amid comparisons to Usain Bolt

Gout Gout on comparison to Usain Bolt Image source: Imago

'I'm just trying to be myself'- Gout Gout sets his own path amid comparisons to Usain Bolt

Abigael Wafula 14:50 - 23.03.2025

Gout Gout is embracing his individuality and aims to make a name for himself in sprinting, despite constant comparisons to Usain Bolt.

When it comes to dreaming big, Australian sprint sensation Gout Gout should never be overlooked following his recent ambitions.

Gout Gout on comparison to Usain Bolt

Gout Gout on comparison to Usain Bolt
Gout Gout on comparison to Usain Bolt . Image source: Imago

The comparisons to the fastest man alive, Usain Bolt are becoming a bit overwhelming and clouding what his true potential is but Gout Gout is not relenting as he charts his own path.

In an interview with 7 News, Gout Gout revealed that when the comparisons started, he was excited but it became toxic at some point and he had to grow thick skin and find his own way of doing things other than trying to prove a point.

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Gout Gout revealed that his management has been very instrumental in helping shape his mindset and avoid destroying his mental health.

“In the moment it feels great because everyone wants to be compared to Usain Bolt, the fastest athlete alive,” he said.

“At times it does get a bit overwhelming, but now that I’ve grown up, I’m a bit mature and my circle really helps me stay level and I’m just trying to make a name for myself.

“Although I do run like Usain Bolt and I do maybe look like him, I’m just trying to be myself and trying to be the next Gout.”

Gout Gout on being Australia's best

Gout Gout on being Australia's best
Gout Gout on being Australia's best. Image source: Imago

Gout Gout has plans to place sprinting in Australia on the world map and warned that he is just getting started.

He broke Peter Norman’s long-standing 200m record while competing at the Australian All Schools Championships in Brisbane. He clocked 20.04 seconds to shatter Norman’s record of 20.06 seconds from the 1968 Olympic Games.

He now eyes the major events including the World Championships and Olympic Games to challenge the crème de la crème of sprinting including Noah Lyles and Letsile Tebogo.

“I want to go to the big events. I want to go to the Olympics. I want go to the 2028 Olympics in LA. I want to go to the Brisbane Olympics,” Gout Gout added.

“And I just want to show the world that I’m Gout and how I’m here to stay and the Olympics is the best place to do that. A hundred per cent I believe can go faster. I can go real fast.

“I want to go to the big events. I want to go to the Olympics. I want go to the 2028 Olympics in LA. I want to go to the Brisbane Olympics.”

Undeniably, he has all it takes to make an impact in the world of sprinting following his impressive times, just at the age of 17.

As he gears up for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Gout Gout has been confirmed for the men’s open 200m and under-20 100m from April 10 to 13 at WA Athletics Stadium.

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