'I Can't Wait for the Semis' – Gout Gout Dazzles on Debut at Stawell Gift

Gout Gout will receive a $150,000 funding from an Australian businessman. Photo. Imago

'I Can't Wait for the Semis' – Gout Gout Dazzles on Debut at Stawell Gift

Evans Ousuru 10:32 - 19.04.2025

Gout Gout is pleased with his performance at the Stawell Gift as he bids to add another title to his medal cabinet.

Australian sprint sensation Gout Gout marked his dream debut at the Stawell Gift with a sensational run to book his spot in the semi finals.

A one-metre handicap was not enough to stop Gout from storming past his rivals as he clocked a time of 12:31 over the 120 metre distance.

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The result was not the fastest time recorded in the heats on Saturday, with John Evans marking himself as the man to beat in the semis with a time of 12:13.

Gout entered the heats coming off the back of an impressive run at the Australian Athletics Championships in Perth where he managed to break the 10-second barrier twice over 100m. Neither time was officially recorded due to an illegal tailwind during the race.

Gout Gout was relieved after the heats, hinting that his best is yet to come in the semifinals.

"It definitely feels great. This is my first time competing on a race track. It feels great, the run was great. I can't wait for the semis and the finals," Gout Gout told Nine news.

Gout's close rival Lachlan Kennedy also advanced into the semis as he powered to cross the line in 12:26, positioning him as the third fastest qualifer. Kennedy started a quarter of a metre behind the rest of his heat, though did not appear phased by his significant handicap on debut.

"It's a little bit daunting when they start so far in front of you. You have to chase them all down. It is incredible. I'm (going to) give it all I've got on Monday," Kennedy said post-race.

2024 Stawell winner Jack Lacey also joins the pair in the semi finals after surviving two false starts by his rivals to record a time of 12:40 in the heats.

The semi finals are scheduled to take place at 12:43pm on Monday followed by the final at 2:20pm.

Another chance for Gout Gout to silence critics

Gout Gout Dazzles on Debut at Stawell Gift
Gout Gout. Photo. Imago

Gout Gout winning the finals and breaking another record will definitely make his track rivals worried considering the crazy times the 17-year-old has been posting in his promising career.

With the world Championships to look forward to in September, this race is part of Gout Gout's preparations for the global assignment where he will face off against the likes of Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles and his 200m rival Letsile Tebogo.