Olympics Champion Aims Subtle Dig at Gout Gout Over ‘Next Usain Bolt’ Comparisons

An Olympic star has taken a subtle swipe at the media frenzy surrounding Australian sprint prodigy Gout Gout, who has been widely dubbed the "next Usain Bolt."

At just 17, Gout has become one of athletics' most thrilling prospects following a string of remarkable performances. Last year, he clocked an astonishing 20.04 seconds in the 200m, shattering both Peter Norman’s long-standing Oceanian record and Bolt’s own world best for a 16-year-old.

His rapid ascent continued this year when he made his debut at a major international meet. As the youngest competitor in the 200m field at the World Championships, Gout impressively reached the semi-finals, though he finished fourth and missed out on a spot in the final.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

The performance caught the eye of many, including Usain Bolt himself, who noted that Gout displayed a level of talent comparable to his own at the same age. Such high praise has inevitably fueled expectations for the young Australian, who is just beginning his senior career.

However, not everyone is pleased with the amount of attention Gout has received. Five-time Olympic swimming champion Kaylee McKeown questioned the disparity in media coverage between athletics and swimming.

"You see athletes that are in athletics," she told Code Sports as per Sport Bible. "They [Gout] make a semi-final, it's the best thing ever. [Then] you see swimmers making a semi-final... it's hardly making the papers."

Despite the growing spotlight, Gout appears to be handling the comparisons with maturity. In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, he expressed that the parallels to the Jamaican legend only boost his self-belief.

"It's definitely inspiring," Gout said. "Because to know that the rest of the world thinks and believes I'm looking like him and could potentially be him is something that can only fill me with confidence. And to be compared to the greatest athlete I've ever seen is amazing."

Looking ahead, Gout has his sights set on the ultimate prize. "My ultimate dream is Olympic gold, hopefully in the 200m in Los Angeles in 2028 and then on to Brisbane in 2032."

He also cited Bolt as a role model for his composed demeanor. "Bolt’s definitely a prime example because he doesn't really let anything get to him. He's a really chill guy," Gout explained, also mentioning current world champion Noah Lyles as a "good mate."

Gout recently concluded his schoolboy athletics career at the GPS Track and Field Championships in October. He opted out of the 200m, instead winning the 400m with a personal-best time of 46.14 seconds and competing in the 4x100m relay. Reflecting on his final school appearance, he described himself as "sad but definitely grateful."