Young Australian sprinter Gout Gout withdrew from the Under-20 World Athletics Championships on Thursday and will likely be out for several months after seriously injuring his hamstring in training.
“Unfortunately I injured my left hamstring last night in training in Brisbane,” he wrote on Instagram. “I received the MRI report this morning, unfortunately the news is not good and I will not be able to participate in the U20 World Championships in Eugene next month.”
The Australian prodigy said tests revealed a grade three tear, which usually requires several months of rehabilitation. “I will now focus on my rehabilitation over the coming weeks and months, in order to return in 2027 stronger, faster and in better shape,” he added.
The Australian Federation has said it will support him throughout his recovery.
“Gout has had two exceptional years, and a long and exciting athletic career awaits him,” said a spokesperson for the federation. “While this will disappoint Gout himself and his many fans, injuries are an unfortunate part of this sport. It is important that he takes the time to heal himself, to get back on his feet before returning to the track when he is ready.
After impressing in the spring by completing the 200 meters in 19”67, better than Usain Bolt at the same age, Gout Gout was largely beaten for his Diamond League debut at the beginning of June in Oslo, finishing 6th over the distance in 20”60.
He then took 3rd place in a 150 meters, a rarely run distance, a week later in Ostrava, in a race won by the American Noah Lyles.
