- Aussie sprinter has only just turned 16
- Is already drawing comparisons with Usain Bolt
- Has received an insane sponsorship contract
He has only just turned 16, but already the Aussie sprinting superstar tipped to be better than Usain Bolt has become a multi-millionaire.
Teen sprint star Gout Gout has signed a multi-year deal with Adidas worth over $6million.
The contract, which runs until the Brisbane Olympics, was finalised during the junior athletics world championships in Peru.
Adidas outbid rivals Nike and Puma to secure the Australian sprinter, whose performances rival Usain Bolt’s at the same age.
At just 16 years old, Gout has already broken Peter Norman’s 56-year-old Australian 200m record with a time of 20.04 seconds and clocked a wind-assisted 10.04 seconds in the 100m.
These achievements make him one of the most exciting young talents in world athletics.
Gout Gout dominated at the recent Australian All Schools Athletics Championship in Brisbane
Gout Gout of celebrates with his manager James Templeton and coach Di Sheppard
James Templeton, Gout’s manager, revealed that major brands had been pursuing him since 2022, when he broke the Australian under-16 200m record.
‘Adidas conveyed their desire to secure Gout early on and showed great patience,’ Templeton told the Sydney Morning Herald.
The deal ensures Gout can stay in Australia to complete his education while receiving performance-based bonuses for world and Olympic success.
Adidas’ investment aligns with their strategy of backing young talent, as seen with Usain Bolt in his early years.
Cathy Freeman’s former manager Nic Bideau said it was a gamble, but not a foolish one.
‘Companies like adidas bet on numerous athletes, hoping a few reach the top,’ he said.
The agreement includes opportunities for Gout to train internationally, including with Olympic champion Noah Lyles in Florida.
However, his team prioritised staying in Australia.
Gout Gout has drawn comparisons with Jamaican sprinting GOAT Usain Bolt
‘He’s a family-oriented, straight-A student at Ipswich Grammar. Moving overseas full-time wasn’t an option,’ Templeton said.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has praised Gout as an ‘outstanding talent’ but warned of the challenges ahead.
‘Transitioning from junior to senior ranks is the toughest phase for any athlete,’ Coe said.
Sprinting legend Michael Johnson echoed these sentiments, emphasising the importance of managing expectations and maintaining Gout’s health and confidence.
Despite his youth, Gout’s achievements have generated comparisons to Usain Bolt.
Bolt himself commented, ‘He looks like young me.’
Marketing experts believe Gout’s potential could make him one of Australia’s most marketable athletes, especially with the Brisbane Olympics on the horizon.
Adidas’ deal includes a base salary and incentives for breaking records and earning podium finishes.
‘The real value comes when corporate brands outside athletics get involved. That’s where the big money is,’ sports business expert Paul Smith said.
The signing comes at a time when athletics is seeking stars to captivate global audiences.
‘Gout has already brought enormous publicity to the sport,’ Templeton said.
Videos of his performances have gone viral, with one garnering over two million views.
Former Australian Olympian Patrick Johnson believes Gout has the potential to break his 100m national record of 9.93 seconds.
‘He’s got incredible potential. The key is to let him enjoy being a kid while managing the spotlight,’ Johnson said.
Gout plans to compete in both junior and senior events in 2025, balancing his athletic career with completing year 12.
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