Sprint sensation Gout Gout will prioritise the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon over the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, opting to compete in the 200m and 4x400m relay in August. The 18-year-old Australian, who holds the U20 world record in the 200m, aims to emulate Usain Bolt, who won the 200m gold at the same level in 2004.
Gout will not contest the 100m despite winning the event at the national junior championships last month. The world under-20s start on August 5, just three days after the conclusion of the Glasgow Games. The meet will be held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
“I'm really excited to get out there at World Athletics Under 20s,” Gout said. “I know it's a great stadium and place to run fast, and I feel confident I'll be ready to step up and make Australia proud. I'll be competing in the 200m, but I'm also excited to join in the 4x400m on the last day.”
Gout’s announcement comes a week after Australia’s men’s 4x400m team won an historic bronze at the World Relays in Botswana, setting an Oceania record of 2:55.20. The U20 squad includes high jumper Izobelle Louison-Roe, who won silver at the 2024 U20 championships, and race walker Isaac Beacroft, who will also compete at the Commonwealth Games.
