2025-07-11T18:25:00Z

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In an exhilarating display of athletic prowess, Australian sprinting prodigy Gout captured the attention of spectators and competitors alike at the Meeting Herculis EBS 2025 in Monaco on Friday, July 11. Overcoming challenging conditions, Gout clocked an impressive time of 20.10 seconds in the non-Diamond League under-23 men's 200m race. This event showcased not only his talent but also the palpable excitement surrounding the 17-year-old athlete.

The atmosphere at the Stade Louis II was electric as the crowd erupted into cheers upon Gout's introduction, reflecting the high expectations and hopes pinned on this young athlete. His previous performance just a month earlier in Ostrava, Czechia, where he set an Oceanian record with a time of 20.02 seconds, had already put him on the radar of athletics fans globally. This Monaco race marked just his second competition on European soil, amplifying the significance of his performance.

Gout's race strategy was evident from the start; he managed to navigate the bend skillfully without exerting himself too early. As they entered the straight, Gout found himself in third place, but his determination and explosive speed soon came to the forefront. With approximately 50 meters remaining, he skillfully overtook both South Africa's Naeem Jack and Botswana's Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

After the race, Gout shared insights into his running technique with various media outlets, including Olympics.com. “My top-end speed is my secret, so I've just got to focus on the first 100, first 50, and once I get out of that bend, I know I can run people down,” he said, highlighting his confidence in his racing strategy. He spoke about the importance of remaining calm and focused, stating, “So [I thought]: stay relaxed, stay focused, and just power through.”

Despite the impressive finish, it’s worth noting that Gout faced a significant challenge in the form of a strong headwind, recorded at -1.9m/s, which made his time even more remarkable. “I know there was a little headwind, but those are the things you’ve just got to compete against,” he remarked. “Whatever the conditions are, you’ve just got to go out there and run your best.” Gout's resilience and skill certainly shone through, solidifying his status as a rising star in the athletics world.