Australian teen sprinter Gout Gout has set a new 200m record at his international senior debut in the Czech Republic.
Gout busted his own record by completing the 200-metre race in 20.02 seconds at the Ostrava Golden Spike meet, breaking his own former record of 20.04 seconds from December last year.
“I feel good,” Gout told media following the event.
“New personal best, new national record in my first European race.
“I don’t feel any pressure, because as soon as I step out on that track, it’s just me by myself and what I’ve got to do, my favourite thing, and that’s to run.”
The Queensland teen said he had been busy training in the lead-up to his first senior run.
Gout’s speed was too much for Cuban runner Reynier Mena, who was swiftly overtaken by the Aussie teen on the final leg of the run.
The race represented a number of firsts for the youth, with it being not just his first senior event, but also his first in Europe, his first senior win overseas, and the breaking of an area record.
Australian Athletics took to X to congratulate Gout, along with fellow Australian runner Cameron Myers.
“Two Australian teens have broken records in 10 minutes, with Gout Gout breaking his 200m record once more in a time of 20.02 to win at the Ostrava Golden Spike, while Cameron Myers closes in on the open record with a U20 record of 3:29.80,” they said.
Myers, 19, delivered a strong performance in the men’s 1500m, smashing his own record by just under three seconds.
“My fastest races the last two years have been miles. It’s a coincidence but it’s really good to have a fast 1500m, and I’m really pleased to get a personal best and my first time under 3:30,” he said.
“All 1500s in Europe are loaded right now and a lot of good guys are getting on it. It’s pretty good fun to be honest. My next race is in Eugene at the Prefontaine Mile. As always, that will be a great race so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Fellow Australian runner Peter Bol also came close to beating his national mark at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meet.
