Move over, Usain Bolt, because there might be a new fastest man in the world.
Gout Gout, the budding star from Australia, broke Bolt's record for the fastest time in the 200 meters by a 16-year-old on Friday at the Australian All Schools Championships. He crossed the finish line in 20.04 seconds.
Bolt had been the record-holder for fastest time by a 16-year-old in the 200 meters when he ran it in 20.13 seconds in 2003 at the Pan American Junior Championships.
When Bolt originally set the record, he was ascending toward superstardom in the world of track and field. He already had three medals on his mantle at the World Junior Championships the previous year, including a gold in the 200 meters.
Injuries delayed Bolt from making his name on the Olympic stage until 2008. He was on the Jamaican team at the 2004 Games, but he didn't make it out of the qualifying round after finishing fifth in his heat.
Gout figures to be a major player at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles if he continues on his current trajectory. He also ran the 100 meters in 10.04 seconds at the event, marking the fourth-best time ever for a runner under the age of 18.
Nick Zaccardi of NBC Sports noted Gout's historic run at the Australian All Schools Championships met the entry standard of 20.16 seconds to qualify for the World Outdoor Track and Field Championships being held in Tokyo next September.
Gout won the silver medal in the 200 meters at the World U20 Championships in August. He finished in 20.60 seconds, which at the time was his personal best in the event.
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