‘No one knew we were coming’: How Gout’s secret race captured worldwide attention

Sydney Morning Herald

by Michael Gleeson

February 22, 2026

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‘No one knew we were coming’: How Gout’s secret race captured worldwide attention

Gout Gout’s secret race at a small Brisbane meet turned heads worldwide after he ran an astonishing 10 seconds flat for the 100 metres, tying an Australian record and showcasing his potential as a rising star in sprinting. Despite being kept under wraps by his team, Gout’s performance exceeded expectations, with no one anticipating such a remarkable time in his first race of the year. This breakthrough has reignited global interest in the 18-year-old athlete, who is already targeting further record-breaking performances at upcoming events. The decision for Gout to compete was last-minute and kept confidential by his coach and management. His manager, James Templeton, revealed that while they expected a strong performance, a sub-10-second time was not anticipated. Gout’s confidence in his training translated into an impressive 10.00s, which not only set a new Australian under-20 record but also positioned him as a serious contender for the world stage. This race marked the beginning of what could be a historic season for Gout, with his sights set on breaking the 10-second barrier in the 100 metres at home soil and competing at the World Under-20 Championships. Gout’s secret race has sparked widespread intrigue, particularly among international sprinting circles. Templeton shared that he received congratulatory messages from global figures, including Lance Baumann, coach of Noah Lyles, an Olympic champion. Gout’s performance has also drawn comparisons to Patrick Johnson’s 9.93s time in 2003, setting a new benchmark for Australian sprinters. His next races, including the Queensland Championships and National Titles, are highly anticipated, with fans and experts alike eager to see if he can build on this momentum. Gout’s rise to fame began at just 16 years old when he broke Peter Norman’s 200m record, solidifying his place as a prodigious talent. Now, at 18, he is poised to make history once again. With his focus on the World Under-20 Championships and a potential bid for the world junior title, Gout’s journey is not just about breaking records but rewriting the

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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/22/2026