Bolt remains the undisputed greatest sprinter of all time his records and legacy still untouched. But rising Australian teenage star Gout Gout has sparked speculation about whether Bolt’s 200m world record of 19.19 seconds, set in 2009, could one day be under threat.
While time will tell, what already stands out about the 17-year-old is his exceptional running mechanics, particularly his lower-limb and ankle technique.
In his latest outing in the Czech Republic last Wednesday, Gout delivered a scorching 20.02-second run in the 200m, breaking his own Australian national record. Former Australian champion John Steffensen was particularly impressed, analyzing Gout’s stride and ankle movement, which he believes is on par with some of the greatest to ever run.
“I’ve rarely seen anyone cover ground like Gout,” Steffensen told Channel 9. “The way his foot meets and leaves the ground it looks like he’s gliding.”
Steffensen described how Gout’s ankle stiffness allows him to generate maximum propulsion without losing energy. “He maintains rigidity in his ankles, so the energy isn’t lost through the joints. It all powers his stride forward. It’s fascinating to watch.”
Gout stunned viewers in his win over Cuban sprinter Reynier Mena, pulling away with around 50 meters left and finishing 0.17 seconds ahead. Steffensen noted that Gout’s technical form held up even as others fatigued, allowing him to maintain speed while others slowed.
“He has a fluid, mechanical stride that doesn’t break down,” Steffensen said. “When others start to decelerate, he’s still flying.”
He even compared Gout’s mechanics to sprinting legends like Carl Lewis, Usain Bolt, Maurice Greene, Donovan Bailey, and Frankie Fredericks, noting that Gout has a natural mastery of something most sprinters spend years trying to perfect.
“What Gout does instinctively, many work their whole lives to achieve. And he’s only 17. It’s rare air he’s breathing.”
Gout’s victory in Ostrava marked his first on European soil and his debut senior win internationally. He’ll next compete in the Under-23 200m at the Monaco Diamond League on July 11, before stepping up for the World Championships in Tokyo, where he’ll represent Australia against the elite of the sport.
“He has nothing to lose,” Steffensen said. “The pressure’s on the others. If they slip even a little, he’ll beat them.”
And Steffensen had a final word of warning for Gout’s rivals: “Enjoy the window while he’s inexperienced. Because once he gets seasoned and stays healthy good luck catching him.”
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