The bustling streets of Tokyo were alive with celebration for Japan’s “Respect for the Aged Day” on Monday. Yet inside Adidas’ hospitality fortress near the Japan National Stadium, attention shifted to the sport’s youngest prodigy—Gout Gout.

Just 17 years old, Gout has already become a headline act at the World Athletics Championships, where he will make his senior debut in the 200m on Wednesday. His performances have already outpaced Usain Bolt’s times at the same age, fueling comparisons with the sprinting legend.

A Nervous Start, A Confident Finish

Walking through sliding translucent doors adorned with Adidas stripes, Gout seemed understandably nervous. He tucked one hand into his pocket, smiled shyly, and waved to a room full of international reporters. “It’s a long walk,” joked Adidas senior athletics executive Spencer Nel, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

But once he reached the microphone, the teenager admitted the media spotlight still felt “surreal.” Rubbing shoulders with athletics A-listers at the championships hotel has been overwhelming, he confessed: “It’s a bit surreal, for real.”

As the Q&A progressed, however, the young sprinter grew more comfortable. By the end of the 45-minute session, he had charmed the press with a mixture of humility, humor, and honesty.

Family Roots and Destiny

Gout spoke warmly of his parents, Bona and Monica, who migrated from South Sudan to Brisbane, now home to the upcoming 2032 Summer Olympics. “They’ve instilled hard work, focus, and integrity in me,” he said. “All those things I try to bring into my training and racing.”

The sprinter also revealed his close bond with his brother, with whom he still shares a room. “He probably makes a bigger mess than me,” Gout joked. These small glimpses into his personal life reminded journalists of his youth. After all, this is a teenager who still lists his favorite food as “burgers, burgers, burgers” and spends hours doom-scrolling TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat when not training.

Breaking Records and Finding Patience

On the track, however, Gout’s youth belies his achievements. He recently shattered Australia’s 200m record, which had stood for 56 years, and is already a national champion. His top-end speed is considered world-class, although he acknowledges his starts still need work.

Balancing ambition with patience is key, he admitted: “I struggled at the start, but now I know things don’t happen overnight. I’m only 17.”

That maturity has impressed coaches and fellow athletes alike. Gout spoke fondly of his partnership with coach Di Sheppard, describing their relationship as a two-way street: “We bring ideas from both ends.”

Friendship with Noah Lyles

The teenager also revealed his admiration for American sprint star Noah Lyles, calling him a source of “advice” and “tips.” Their friendship highlights how Gout is already integrating into the top tier of global athletics. For many fans, the thought of watching the Australian line up alongside Lyles is enough to fuel excitement for Wednesday’s race.

Beyond the Track

When asked about his future beyond sprinting, Gout revealed ambitions of studying psychology at university to complement his athletic career. He also thought about the legacy he wants to leave behind:

“Just being someone people can look at and think, ‘he was that guy.’ Someone who started off as a nobody and became really, really good.”

That self-awareness, mixed with a willingness to inspire others, drew warm praise from Nel, who described him as “a precociously special talent.”

Adidas Spotlight

The event itself, hosted by Adidas, underscored how valuable Gout has become for brands and global athletics. When he stepped off stage, Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden embraced him warmly, saying: “Well done.”

With endorsements and international media attention mounting, Gout is stepping firmly into the role of “next generational icon.”

The Road Ahead

Gout Gout has the raw speed, charisma, and youthful charm to become one of the faces of global athletics. His debut on Wednesday will mark not only a test of talent but also his ability to handle the immense weight of expectation.

Whatever happens in Tokyo, one thing is certain: the world has just met its next sprinting star.

Stay tuned to Daily Global Diary for live updates and exclusive coverage from the World Athletics Championships.