Rising Sprint Star Sidelined

A Record-Breaking Rise Cut Short by Injury

Gout had been one of the most talked-about young sprinters on the planet heading into Eugene. At the Sydney nationals in April, he ran 19.67 seconds in the 200m — becoming the first Australian to legally break 20 seconds in the event. That time also shaved 0.02 seconds off the previous under-20 world record set by Erriyon Knighton in 2022, according to AP News.

To put that in perspective, Gout's 19.67 also surpassed Usain Bolt's under-20 best of 19.93 seconds, set back in 2004. At just 18 years old, Gout had already outrun one of the greatest sprinters in history at the same age. That kind of progress made his World U20 title bid look very real — until the injury struck.

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Recent Form Had Signaled a Championship Contender

Gout had been competing at the elite level with older athletes in the weeks before his injury. At the Diamond League meet in Oslo, he finished sixth in the 200m with a time of 20.60 seconds — a solid run against seasoned professionals. AP News also noted he recently finished third in a 150m race at the Golden Spike meet in Czechia, while training partner Noah Lyles set a world record in that event.

His connection to Lyles — the Olympic 100m champion — had raised expectations further. Training alongside one of the world's best sprinters suggested Gout was preparing seriously for a big summer. Instead, the hamstring gave way in training before he could reach the starting line in Eugene.

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He Skipped Commonwealth Games to Chase This Goal

The timing makes the withdrawal even harder. Gout had previously chosen to skip the Commonwealth Games — a major event for Australian athletes — specifically to focus on winning world age-group gold. That decision showed how much he and his team valued this championship. Now that plan has collapsed due to a training injury, according to AP News.

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Grade 3C Tear Means a Long Road Back

The MRI results are sobering. A grade 3C BAMIC injury means the tear involves the tendon, not just the muscle belly — which typically takes longer to heal. The tear extends 8 cm, though tendon involvement covers less than 10% of the cross-sectional area. That detail may limit the damage somewhat, but full recovery for this type of injury can take several months.

Gout said on social media he will focus on his rehabilitation and is targeting a return in 2027. At 18, time is on his side. But the World U20 Championships only happen every two years, and this was his last chance to compete as a junior. His next major target will likely be the 2027 World Athletics Championships or a future Diamond League season.