World Athletics U20: Gout Gout Storms to 200m Final After Dominant Semis

• Australian teenage sprinter Gout Gout comfortably progressed to the 200m final at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Peru
• The 16-year-old dominated his heat in the first round before winning his heat in the semi-final
• He will face 100m champion Bayanda Walaza of South Africa in the final set for Saturday morning

Australian sprinter Gout Gout has gone viral again following his 200m performance at the 2024 World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru.

The 16-year-old, who has South Sudanese heritage, destroyed the field to book his spot in the final, set for early Saturday morning.

Gout Gout's superb display saw him comfortably edge his rivals. He finished in 21.07 seconds ahead of Magnus Johansson, who crossed the line in 21.21 seconds, per The Sydney Morning Herald.

The top two and the two fastest losers in the three semi-finals went through to the final. The Australian was also dominant in the first round, where he won his heat in 20.77 seconds.

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Gout aiming for first title

Gout is seeking to win his first major title, which could earn him more claim. The youngster has received worldwide praise after a video of his performance went viral.

The youngster will have to be in top form in the final, as he's facing 100m U20 champion Bayanda Walaza, who has a personal best of 20.34 seconds. Jake Odey-Jordan of Great Britain (20.55) will also be a top opponent, per World Athletics.

Gout Gout has a personal best of 20.69 seconds and will need to be at his best to win gold.

Gout Gout's response to Bolt comparisons

Briefly News also reported that Gout Gout responded to fans and analysts comparing him to Usain Bolt, the world record holder in the 100m and 200m.

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Gold & bronze for South Africa as Walaza, Nkoana dominate men's 100m in Peru

The youngster was honoured to be compared to Bolt, adding that it would be a great accomplishment if he reached Bolt's level. He had a poor start but blew the opposition away when he reached top speed. He won the race by some distance, and fans were amazed.

Source: TUKO.co.ke