IPSWICH sensation Gout Gout has been named the Junior Male Athlete of the Year at the Athletics Australia Awards after a ground-breaking year that saw him rewrite Australian athletics history.
The 17-year-old Ipswich Grammar School star shattered a 56-year-old record at the National Championships, clocking a remarkable 20.04 seconds in the 200m.
His blistering performance not only broke the Australian Open record set by Peter Norman in 1968 but also established new benchmarks at under-20 and under-18 levels.
Gout’s time ranks him second all-time globally in the under-18 category and sixth for under-20, making him the fastest 200m sprinter in the world in both categories this year.
He has also secured his spot at the 2025 World Championships for the 200m.
In recognition of his record-breaking year, Gout signed a lucrative multi-year sponsorship deal with Adidas valued at $6 million.
The Athletics Australia Awards also celebrated another teenage sprint sensation, Torrie Lewis, who claimed the Female Junior Athlete of the Year award after breaking the Australian Open 100m record earlier in the year.
Diane Sheppard, Gout’s long-time coach, was honoured as Pathways Coach of the Year, highlighting her instrumental role in his success.
Athletics Australia CEO Simon Hollingsworth praised the historic year for Australian athletics, citing achievements from the likes of Jessica Hull and Nina Kennedy.
“This past year was extraordinary for our sport, with records tumbling from Torrie Lewis’s 100m feat to Gout Gout’s rise and world-class performances across both Olympic and Paralympic events,” Hollingsworth said.
“The future of Australian athletics is incredibly bright as we build towards Brisbane 2032.”
