Gout Gout makes shock Commonwealth Games decision as next Usain Bolt explains himself

Gout Gout will not represent Australia at the Commonwealth Games.

The teenage sprint sensation was expected to be in Glasgow for this summer’s competition, which runs from July 23 to August 2.

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However, Gout has made the decision to not compete and head to the World Athletics U20 Championships instead.

“It’s a big thing to give up,” he explained to 7NEWS Australia.

“It’s a great event and it’s one of those big meets where everyone loves, but looking at development is definitely a better decision going forward on the 20s.”

Gout will make his second U20 Championships appearance this year having won silver in the 200m in 2024.

However, the 2026 edition starts three days after the Commonwealth Games conclude, making it almost impossible to compete at both.

“Are they going to move Comm Games?” his coach Di Sheppard jested when asked if anything could change Gout’s mind.

“We want him to be running in his late 20s,” Sheppard added on the 18-year-old, who is dubbed as the ‘next Usain Bolt’.

“So, you know, you don’t want to push the boundaries too soon. And just the fact that they’re just so compacted.”

Gout going for historic gold

Whilst his Commonwealth absence means a longer wait to win one of the most prestigious medals, Gout could still reach stardom.

He can become the first ever Australian sprinter to win gold at world junior level in the 100m or 200m.

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Jamaican legend and eight-time Olympic gold medallist Bolt helped launch his iconic career with success at the world juniors.

In 2002, he raced 20.61 seconds to win 200m gold and become the youngest junior world champion aged 15 years and 332 days.

Although Gout is significantly older, he would still be able to emulate Bolt when he takes to the track in Oregon, United States.

“Gout is a remarkable talent and although he won’t be in Glasgow, we hope to see him don the green and gold at a Commonwealth Games in the future,” Australia’s Commonwealth Chef de Mission Petria Thomas said.

“I think it’s important that we all remember he is 18 and remains on the rise.

“He has a long career ahead of him and we respect his decision to prioritise the World U20 championships as he builds towards a home Olympic Games at Brisbane 2032.”