Shattering Usain Bolt’s Record at Just 16, Australian Star Makes Major Announcement Over Track and Field Career

Gout Gout does not seem to be stopping until he is breaking down all track and field records! The 17-year-old phenom has taken track and field by storm. Since his arrival on the big stage, Gout has continued to shine. His speed has not only wowed the track enthusiasts, but it has also attracted comparisons with Usain Bolt. And why not? At just 17, the Australian athlete has already broken several of Bolt’s records. One of the most significant of them came back in 2024, when he clocked 20.04s in a 200m dash. This became an Oceanic record at 16 years of age, which was previously held by Usain Bolt. And now, taking a major step forward, Gout has dropped a major announcement. 

The Aussie teenager not only broke Bolt’s record once. He did it again in April. Competing in a 200m race, Gout clocked 19.84s, becoming the Australian champion. This time, though, Gout not only surpassed Bolt but also became the second-fastest U20 athlete in history. Now, after making such a strong case for himself, Gout is now looking to take his track excellence to the next level. Gout is now coming to the Diamond League. 

In an official announcement from the Diamond League website, Gout is all set to feature in the Wanda Diamond League. This will be his maiden Diamond League appearance and surely a moment of great pride for the teenage sensation. The Australian will be lining up in the U23 pre-program race in the 200m category. As per official sources, the race will take place in Monaco on July 11, 2025. 

However, this will not be an official Diamond League race for Gout. But competing here will surely make Gout gain some valuable experience. Meanwhile, as Gout is already a global star, there is still a long way to go. For him to ascend to the top and dominate the track realm like other stalwarts, Gout will have to make a lot of sacrifices. And one among them, as told by his coach, is cutting off social life. 

Di Sheppard prepares Gout Gout for greatness with tough life lessons

“You’re not going to have a social life.” That’s the blunt warning his coach, Di Sheppard, gave Gout Gout as his sprinting trajectory surged toward stardom. She wasn’t trying to scare him. She was preparing him. Because Sheppard, now one of Australian sport’s most respected mentors, knows exactly what it costs to chase greatness. And what it takes to stay grounded while doing it.

Sheppard has spent the past four years not just shaping Gout into a national 200m champion but also preparing him for a life far bigger than medals and records. She saw early that his real edge wasn’t just his blistering speed but his emotional intelligence — an ability to absorb pressure, understand sacrifice, and chase long-term goals.

“He has a massive ability to be able to do that,” she says, marveling at the teenager’s maturity. And that’s why, as he navigates the spotlight, Sheppard remains unwavering in her guidance: boundaries, discipline, and perspective over popularity. Her philosophy is simple, but not easy. The coach stated, “When we get to a set point, your social life will be pretty much nonexistent.”

That point, she says, is now. Gout may smile for cameras, but behind that is a young athlete accepting the reality of elite sport. And a coach making sure he’s ready for all of it.

The post Shattering Usain Bolt’s Record at Just 16, Australian Star Makes Major Announcement Over Track and Field Career appeared first on EssentiallySports.