Australian track star Gout Gout will be unable to compete for the rest of the year following a grade-three tear to his left hamstring, an injury sustained during a training session in Brisbane. This significant setback prevents the 18-year-old from participating in the upcoming World Athletics Under-20 Championships held in Eugene, Oregon, as well as the remainder of the season.
Previously, Gout had chosen to bypass the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow to prioritize his preparation for the U20 Championships. Following an MRI, the sprinter acknowledged the severity of the complete muscle rupture, which typically requires a recovery period lasting between three and six months. Through social media, Gout expressed his disappointment but affirmed his commitment to rehabilitation, stating his goal is to return to competition in 2027 in peak form.
Gout has recently garnered significant attention for his performance, including setting a world U20 record of 19.67 seconds at the Australian Athletics Championships in April, a time that eclipsed Usain Bolt’s record at the same age. Athletics Australia issued a statement encouraging the athlete to focus on his recovery, noting that while the injury is a difficult obstacle, he maintains a promising career ahead. Gout, who also secured the national U20 100m title, made his senior Diamond League debut at the Oslo Bislett Games earlier this June.
