Gout Gout runs 35-year Aussie best to vindicate bold Noah Lyles call
Earlier this month, teen sprinting star Gout Gout sensationally declared to Olympic champion Noah Lyles he's coming for his crown.
And still some seven months ahead of the world championships in Tokyo, he's set a time that proves he's more than up to the task.
While best known for his exploits in the 100m and 200m sprints, Gout ran the 400m in the Joanna Stone Shield meeting in Brisbane on Saturday.
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The 17-year-old stopped the clock in 46.2 seconds - nearly a full second quicker than Lyles' PB of 47.04 set in 2016.
It was also the fastest time U18 time set by an Australian in 35 years.
Gout Gout has run a 35-year Aussie best in the 400m. Getty
But coach Diane Sheppard suggested we shouldn't get too excited. He was using the 400m as an annual "time trial" to test his speed endurance, and wouldn't be investing too much time or energy into the distance.
In January, Gout spent time training with Lyles and his coach Lance Brauman Clermont. Both are sponsored by Adidas, and Brauman shares a long-time friendship with Gout's manager James Templeton.
Appearing on the Paris 2024 100m gold medal winner's Beyond the Records podcast, Gout told Lyles: "I am trying to show you what's up. I am trying to come out there with a bang".
"That's what I love to hear," Lyles replied with a laugh.
Assuming he qualifies, September's world championships in Tokyo will be the first time Gout represents Australia as a senior athlete.
His next major race meet will be the Queensland state championships from March 13-16.
