Gout Gout Skips Commonwealth Games for Youth World Titles
Australian athlete Gout Gout has chosen not to participate in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this year. The 18-year-old will instead prioritize the World Under-20 Championships in August, aiming to achieve similar success to Usain Bolt early in his career. The back-to-back scheduling of the two events led Gout and his support team to decide against competing in both.
Gout stated to the Seven Network that it was a significant decision. He acknowledged the Commonwealth Games as a valued event but concluded that focusing on the World Under-20 Championships was the better choice.
Prioritizing Future Success
The World Under-20 Championships, previously known as the World Junior Championships, are scheduled for August 5-9 in Eugene, Oregon. This venue notably hosted the 2022 World Championships.
Usain Bolt began his international career with a 200m gold medal at the 2002 World Junior Championships. Gout, who secured second place in the 200m at the World Under-20 Championships in Lima at age 16, has expressed aspirations to replicate Bolt's early career achievements.
Team Australia's Support
Gout was considered a potential 100m medalist in Glasgow, and his non-participation will undoubtedly affect the Australian team and the event itself. Glasgow is hosting the event after the original host Victoria withdrew.
Petria Thomas, Australia’s Commonwealth Games team chef de mission, acknowledged Gout's decision. She stated that Gout is a talented athlete and expressed hope for his future participation in the Commonwealth Games. Thomas also noted his youth and long career ahead, respecting his decision to prioritize the World Under-20 Championships as he prepares for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Australian Athletics has also supported Gout’s decision. The Queensland athlete gained global prominence in athletics over the past two years, breaking Peter Norman’s 56-year-old Australian 200m record in late 2024 and making his world championships debut in 2025, reaching the 200m semi-final in Japan.