Teen sprinting sensation Gout Gout from Australia is set to make waves at the upcoming Stawell Gift, with his participation funded by Sandy McGregor, the majority owner of the 2015 Melbourne Cup-winning horse, Prince Of Penzance. McGregor has agreed to pay an undisclosed amount for the 17-year-old to compete in the renowned men’s 120-metre event, scheduled for the Easter long weekend (April 19-21) in Victoria.
This investment in Gout signifies his rising status as a commercial asset, highlighted by Adidas’ significant commitment of over $6 million for his development leading to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Alongside Gout, other notable Australian sprinters, including Lachlan Kennedy, Josh Azzopardi, and Jack Hale, are expected to compete in the same race, with each winner poised to receive a prize of $40,000.
While Kennedy, Azzopardi, and Hale have faster personal bests in the 100m than Gout—10.03, 10.09, and 10.12 seconds respectively—Gout holds the record for the fastest 200m run by an Australian male, clocking 20.04 seconds, beating the previous record set by Peter Norman in 1968.
Gout’s potential to race from scratch in the Stawell Gift, an event with a storied history where only two competitors have won from such a disadvantage, adds more excitement to his appearance. If Gout excels, it will mark a significant milestone in his burgeoning career, drawing comparisons to sprinting legends like Usain Bolt. McGregor believes Gout’s participation will enhance the event’s appeal and crowd turnout, reflecting his long-standing commitment to improving local sports.
McGregor, also known for his contributions to various local sports, has a history of significant investments in athletics and recently refurbished Marnoo Cricket Club, bringing it up to a high standard. His admiration for Gout’s sprinting abilities motivated him to pursue Gout’s participation in the Stawell Gift, leading to a successful offer through Gout’s manager.
Since the announcement of Gout’s involvement, ticket sales have surged, indicating strong public interest. Murray Emerson, chairman of Stawell Gift Event Management, noted a significant uptick in sales following the reveal, indicating the draw Gout has for fans.
As he prepares for his senior debut at the world championships in Tokyo later this year, Gout aims to challenge reigning champions like Noah Lyles. With recognitions and expectations mounting, he is poised to become one of Australia’s greatest athletes if he continues on this promising trajectory.