Australian sprint sensation Gout Gout says he has achieved one of his dreams after spending a reported seven-figure sum on a purchase that sums up his kind and humble nature.
The teenager, who was chosen to represent Australia at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he became the youngest sprinter ever to feature in a World Championships over 200m, is destined for greatness.
As well as breaking Usain Bolt’s under-16 world record with a 20.04-second 200m run in last year's Australian All Schools Championships, he is reaping the financial rewards that come with being a talented sprinter.
Gout recently signed a lucrative sponsorship deal with Adidas worth over $6 million, which includes bonuses for performance, and was recently honoured with a place on the prestigious Forbes Australia’s 30 Under 30 list.
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Ahead of his 18th birthday on Monday (December 29), the Australian decided to make his first big purchase since signing the deal – a new home worth £4.4 million for his family in the west of Brisbane, as per The Mirror.
Gout opened up on his purchase in an interview with Nova FM. "It's definitely a privilege being able to provide back to my family what they've given to me," he said.
"As you get older, one of your dreams is buying your parents a house or buying your parents a car or things of that nature, and I've done one of those things.
"[I'm] definitely proud of myself for sure, and sometimes it's a pinch yourself moment for sure, knowing that I'm literally just 17, turning 18, and I've already done these great things."
The teenager, who still shares a bedroom with his elder brother, has previously bought a Hyundai i30.
A reporter commented on the Hyundai, saying it was "not exactly a speed machine", and proceeded to ask why he picked the modest car.
“It’s a nice car and I like the way it looks,” Gout replied. “And it’s a good car for being on my P plates. Obviously you can’t drive anything crazy."
He added: "But I have a car I can go to training with, go to school with, pick up my mates in, things like that. It’s just a simple little car and something that has a good fuel economy as well.”
Di Sheppard, who has been Gout's coach over the past four years, has opened up on how the sprinter remains grounded amid the hefty expectations on his shoulders.
“For us to go to the top – we’re still a long way from there – and because we know that’s our end goal, we don’t get too wrapped up into the good things that come,” she told The Guardian.
“They’re stepping stones, and that’s how I’ve tried to teach Gout. There’s no clear path up.”
Jack Kenmare