Usain Bolt labels Gout Gout an ‘immense talent’ and makes prediction for sprinting sensation

Usain Bolt believes Gout Gout can go ‘a long way’ if he continues to perform to the same standard as his career so far.

The teenage sprinter already holds the Oceanian record in the 200m as well as the world under-20 record for the distance.

AFP

Meanwhile, he has been repeatedly compared to Bolt since bursting onto the scene two years ago.

Gout won silver at the World Under-20 Championships in 2024 before appearing at the senior event in Tokyo last year.

Although he failed to progress past the semi-finals, the 18-year-old once again impressed on the world stage.

And Bolt has now hailed the Australian’s ‘immense talent’ and made a prediction for his future career.

The eight-time Olympic champion spoke exclusively to talkSPORT at Soccer Aid on Sunday.

Asked to give his thoughts on Gout, Bolt explained: “I’m happy to hear youngsters coming up, but I’ve heard a lot about people breaking my records for years now, so it’s just one of those things, people show talent and it’s going to come up.

“But I can see he has immense talent and if he keeps working at it, I think he can go a long way.”

Gout has already gone faster than Bolt did at his age as he continues his meteoric rise in the sport.

He has also already started training alongside current Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles.

The pair are set to face off competitively for the first time on the Ostrava Golden Spike in June.

AFP

Bolt’s London return

As for Bolt, he had been managing the World XI against England at Soccer Aid.

The 39-year-old was on coaching duty at the London Stadium alongside Clarence Seedorf and comedian Judi Love.

It marked a return to the site of his London 2012 Olympic glory at West Ham United‘s home.

Bolt won the 100m, 200m and 4x100m at the Games, as well as setting a world record time in the latter.

Reflecting on being back at the London Stadium, he added: “It’s always a great feeling.

“I was standing in the middle of the field and I was like, wow this is so wonderful thinking back to what I’ve done here.

AFP

“It’s just surreal. It’s something I enjoy being back where I’ve done things.

“I’m happy and we did a great job and raised a lot of money.”

Soccer Aid raised over £16million on Sunday night as Bolt’s Rest of the World team were beaten 3-2 by England.