Who will be the next Usain Bolt? The debate rages on in the track and field world, with a long line of contenders eyeing the throne once ruled by the Lightning Bolt himself. The crown, adorned with legendary records, has been glimmering just out of reach—until now. But last year, Gout Gout, the Australian showstopper, sent shockwaves through the sprinting world. The teenage prodigy blazed past Bolt’s U-18 200m record, clocking an astonishing 20.06 seconds—just enough to edge out Bolt’s legendary 20.13 seconds made in the U-18 level. Not only that, in March, this year, Gout put his best foot forward and did something unbelievable.
The teenage phenom demolished the 200m competition in the Queensland Athletics Championships. This time, his timing remained 19.98 seconds, becoming the first athlete to perform at a sub-20 level in Australian track and field history. However, his timing wasn’t ratified by World Athletics as it had been a wind-assisted event. The world took notice. But just when Gout seemed destined to be the chosen one, Jamaica answered back—louder, faster, and bolder.
Enter Gary Card, the teenage track and field phenomenon with Jamaican lightning in his veins. Last year, he stunned with a 10.07-second dash in the 100m, already blazing ahead of Gout’s U-18 form. This year, he’s turned the heat up even higher.
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At the ongoing Jamaican School Champs, Card unleashed his full fury, clocking a staggering 10.06 seconds (+0.5)—tying the all-time U-18 record set by Cristian Miller in 2023. The stadium erupted. Fans knew they weren’t just watching a race—they were witnessing the birth of a new contender for greatness. With Bolt’s shadow looming large over the sport, Card’s rise feels almost poetic. A young Jamaican, running faster with each race, daring the world to believe that lightning might just strike twice. Interestingly, Card maintains the same mindset—never be satisfied and keep improving. His words shared a few days ago claim the presence of such a persona.
Heading into the ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs) this week, Gary Card wasn’t just aiming for a win—he was preparing to make a statement. And before stepping onto the track, the teenage sprinting sensation sent a warning shot to the competition.
Speaking confidently to the Jamaica Observer, Card declared: “I always think I can surprise everybody, and I have trained hard to surprise myself.” The words weren’t just bravado—they were backed by months of relentless training. With a steely gaze on the finish line, he made it clear that his ambitions were bigger than just a personal best. He was chasing history. “As long as I keep doing that, anything is possible. Whether it’s sub-10 or sub-20, anything is possible,” he added with conviction. “I would love to do that, so I have been training to do my best. If that’s what happens, then I will be more than happy.” And just before walking away, Card left one final message—a subtle but undeniable warning: “Anything is possible.” With his blistering 10.06-second performance at Champs, Card proved that his words weren’t just talk—they were a promise kept. And what about Gout Gout? Would he have any chance against the Jamaican track and field athlete? Would he become the 100m athlete to pose a threat to Gary Card and, ultimately, Usain Bolt? His manager once said a few words about it.
The Australian track and field has the potential to fight on both ends
The track and field world held its breath as Gary Card lined up for the 100m final, fresh off his stunning 10.06-second performance in the semifinals. The teenage sprinting phenom seemed poised to do the unthinkable—dip below the 9.9-second barrier. But as the race unfolded, fate had other plans.
Card’s stride faltered in the final few meters. Grimacing in pain, he crossed the line in 10.28 seconds—still fast, but far from what the world expected. The cause? A possible muscle strain, perhaps from overworking his body. The crowd fell silent, unsure whether they had just witnessed a minor setback—or the first signs of burnout. Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, Gout Gout was watching. And if he wasn’t already, he’s surely on high alert now. The Australian sprint sensation will need to tread carefully—pushing the limits without pushing too far. But Gout’s manager, James Templeton, remains unfazed.
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In a recent interview with Fox Sports, Templeton made a bold prediction: “Gout has every chance of breaking the elusive 10-second barrier in the 100 meters at the upcoming event,” he declared with confidence. And Templeton didn’t stop there. He believes that with the right conditions, Gout could make history by becoming the first Australian ever to run sub-20 seconds in the 200m—and potentially do both feats at the same meet, on consecutive days.
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“It’s not impossible. If everything is in his favor, I think he’s a chance to run under 10 seconds anytime he races, really,” Templeton added. If Gout pulls it off, he will achieve something no Australian has ever done. Not even once, let alone twice in back-to-back races. Now, with Card temporarily slowed by injury, all eyes turn to Gout Gout. The pressure is on. The stage is set. Will Gout seize the moment and rewrite Australian sprinting history?
Track and Field Prodigy Gout Gout Faces Major Threat as 17-Year-Old Jamaican Sprinter Closes In on Usain Bolt’s Record
