Gout Gout shocked the world by shattering Australia’s national record in the 200 metres as he stormed to the title in 19.67 seconds.
The time obliterates the previous national record of 20.02, with second-place Aidan Murphy also smashing that benchmark with a 19.88.
Watch Gout Gout obliterate the record books in the video player above
Channel 7 commentator Bruce McAvaney was left astonished at what he had just witnessed, saying: “Incredible. The wind is legal. He has absolutely done what everybody thought he might.
“He’s done it at 18. The world will be shaking. It is seismic.
“It is the exclamation mark of all time on a national championships that will be remembered forever.
“It’s historic it really is.”
The electric result would have secured Gout a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, his time edging out American sensation Noah Lyles who crossed in 19.70.
In an even more staggering illumination of his feat, his time would have won a medal in the 200m at every Olympic Games ever contested.
It is the first time Gout Gout has legally run under 20 seconds, but he did run 19.84 last year with an illegal tailwind.
Gout’s main rival Lachie Kennedy withdrew hours before the race having claimed he was “gassed” after his semi-final win.
Kennedy beat Gout to the 100m title with a 9.96 — and did the double over his young adversary at the Maurie Plant Meet last month.
But Sunday’s Australian Athletics Championships were all about Gout as he reached new heights less than four months after his 18th birthday.
Despite the breathtaking national record, Gout was still pushed all the way by Murphy — who was right alongside the teenager until the Ipswich-born superstar stormed away inside the final 50 metres.
Gout lifted both arms up in the air after crossing the line and was visibly pumped with his performance.
After setting the new national record, he said: “It’s been in my mind this whole year (the national record), these past couple of months, so glad I got it for sure.
“I wrote down 19.75, and for the past week in my head I would tell myself, I’m running 19.75, and obviously 19.67, so you know, got to love it.”
Gout’s time is 0.26 seconds faster than Usain Bolt ran at the same age — the iconic Jamaican clocking 19.93 in 2004.
US sprinter Erriyon Knighton held the record for the fastest official 200m time as an 18-year-old with 19.68 — but Gout can now claim that crown as his own.
Scarily, he still believes he can go significantly faster.
“It definitely felt like I had a lot more in the tank (in the back straight), for sure. And, just knowing me, I just kept pushing it and the time shows,” he added.
“There’s a big weight off my shoulders knowing I ran it legally, and I have the speed and my body to run times like that. So, it definitely feels great, and ready for more.
“I thought today was going to be one of the worser conditions, for sure, but as soon as I saw the sun out, all I need is alright conditions.
“If it’s alright, the wind’s pretty down, I’m good to go.”
