'I can't wait for the semis': Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy dazzle on debut at Stawell Gift
Gout Gout's debut at the Stawell Gift could not have gone any better as the teen sensation delivered a sensational run to book his spot in the semi finals.
A one-metre handicap was not enough to stop Gout from storming past his rivals as he clocked a time of 12:31 over the 120 metre distance.
The result was not the fastest time recorded in the heats on Saturday, with John Evans marking himself as the man to beat in the semis with a time of 12:13.
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Gout entered the heats coming off the back of an impressive run at the Australian Athletics Championships in Perth where he managed to break the 10-second barrier twice over 100 metres.
Neither time was officially recorded due to an illegal tailwind during the race.
"It definitely feels great," Gout told Seven post-race.
Gout Gout wins heat 21 of the Powercor 120 Meters Handicap during the 2025 Stawell Gift. Getty
"This is my first time competing on a race track. It feels great, the run was great. I can't wait for the semis and the finals."
Gout's close rival Lachlan Kennedy also advanced into the semis as he powered to cross the line in 12:26, positioning him as the third-fastest qualifier.
Kennedy started a quarter of a metre behind the rest of his heat, though did not appear fazed by his significant handicap on debut.
"It's a little bit daunting when they start so far in front of you," he said post-race.
"You have to chase them all down. It is incredible.
"I'm (going to) give it all I've got on Monday."
2024 Stawell winner Jack Lacey also joins the pair in the semi finals after surviving two false starts by his rivals to record a time of 12:40 in the heats.
The semi finals are scheduled to take place at 12:43pm on Monday followed by the final at 2:20pm.
