Dazzling in his sponsor’s tracksuit, and sparkling with an earring and two glimmering chains, sprint sensation Gout Gout told his first press conference in Melbourne his confidence is growing.
The teenager spoke to a swarm of cameras on Thursday, ahead of the Maurie Plant Meet on Saturday. The major attraction of the marquee night in Australian athletics is a rematch of the 200m race against Lachie Kennedy last year, when Gout was upstaged.
Gout said his friendly rivalry with Kennedy was “amazing”, but he was confident he would be able to perform on Saturday. “Knowing there’s so many people here to watch you run and watch you compete, well, it just brings out the best in you,” the 18-year-old said.
The Queenslander appeared more relaxed than ever at the press conference, his first formal media call he has ever done in Melbourne. Last year, he only spoke briefly to press following his race.
“Confidence comes with, I guess, experience, and knowing I’ve done this since I was 16, 15 years old,” Gout said. “So it’s kind of nothing now.”
But things have changed, and are changing for Gout. Since he last raced in Melbourne, he made his bow at a senior international meet, at last year’s World Athletics Championships where he reached the 200m semi-finals. He has also finished school, and now trains and recovers throughout the day as a full-time athlete.
“Training is definitely a lot more professional in a way, knowing that I can train a lot more efficiently, and get a lot more reps and get in the gym a bit more. So that’s definitely a major factor,” he said, looking down at the gold chains on his chest.
“And, I guess, the jewellery as well … you know, it’s something bling, you know what I’m saying?”
Gout said he feels he has improved since his race against Kennedy last year. The teenager started slow and couldn’t make up the ground against his explosive opponent, finishing second in a result that shocked the capacity crowd of around 10,000.
“The sprint is always a sprint, you all run as fast as you can, but I know Lach is such a great starter, so just knowing I’ve got to work my bend and as soon as I come off that band, hammer down everything,” Gout said.
“I’ve gotten a lot stronger from last year and my start has gotten a lot faster as you can see with my attempt at my season opener.”
Overcoming a cold at the Queensland state championships earlier this month, Gout started well but did not hit top gear along the straight. He finished in a time of 20.42sec, albeit with a strong headwind.
Gout said he recognised this year there were now more expectations on him.
“It’s definitely, you could say a bit of pressure with that, but knowing me, I love running and I’ve just got to do the best I can.
“Going out there and knowing it’s a new year, it’s a new race and it’s a new competition, so [the plan is] going out there, keeping an open mindset and still heading for that win.”
Gout also revealed he won’t challenge for the senior 100m at next month’s national championships, and instead focus on defending his 200m Australian title. He will compete in the 100m but only in the under-20 category, as he did last year in Perth when he broke the 10-second barrier with excessive tailwinds.
“I’m the 200-main specialist, so I’m just focusing on my 200 right now,” he said.
Gout plans to run “a few” Diamond League meets in Europe this year, and a few continental gold meets overseas, on top of his main focus: the world junior titles in Oregon, USA, in August.
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