Gout Gout’s comeback plan revealed after gutting injury blow
Gout Gout’s manager says the teen sprint superstar is progressing well in his recovery from an eight-centimetre hamstring tear as he targets a return to racing in the Australian summer.
The 18-year-old phenom is back in Brisbane after a four-day trip to Los Angeles, where he rubbed shoulders with Ian Thorpe at an Australian Olympic Committee function, saw the world-famous Dodgers baseball team play, and spent time relaxing at Venice Beach.
Gout Gout in Melbourne in March ahead of the Maurie Plant Meet. The Age
He was originally supposed to be in the United States last month for a shot at winning gold in the 200 metres at the world athletics under-20 championships, but his bid to match a young Usain Bolt was dashed when disaster struck at training in Brisbane.
Gout’s manager James Templeton offered nine.com.au a brief comment from Brussels – the location of the Diamond League final taking place on the weekend.
“Recovery is going well and according to plan,” Templeton said.
“He’s working through all the various programs well, and he’ll be racing in the Australian season.
“He’s in really good spirits.”
Templeton said Gout did not undergo surgery on his torn hamstring.
The Ipswich-born prodigy has been quietly going about his recovery at Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) and the home of the Brisbane Lions.
There is a strong possibility he will make his racing comeback at an inconspicuous club meet at QSAC in the outer suburbs of Brisbane.
Australian Athletics (AA) bosses are hoping he will be fit and firing in time for a 200m rematch with Lachlan Kennedy at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne in late February.
In September next year, the Queenslander will suit up in Beijing at the world championships, two years after making his senior Australian debut at the Tokyo world titles.
Nine.com.au revealed last week that another talented Australian 200m runner, Commonwealth Games relay hero Calab Law, was making a switch to hurdling.
