Australian sprint star Gout Gout has suffered a serious left hamstring injury that has ruled him out of next month’s World U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon. The 18-year-old shared the update on social media after receiving his MRI results on Thursday. The injury is severe enough to keep him off the track for the rest of the year, forcing one of athletics’ brightest young talents to put his plans on hold and focus fully on recovery.
Gout Gout confirms severe hamstring injury after MRI scan
Gout Gout said he injured his left hamstring during training in Brisbane. After undergoing an MRI scan, doctors confirmed that he had suffered a partial-thickness tear. He explained that the tendon had also been partially disrupted for more than eight centimetres. According to the British Athletics Muscle Injury Classification system, the injury is graded as 3C, which means it is a severe muscle tear.Sharing the news with fans, Gout wrote, “Unfortunately I suffered an injury to my left hamstring last night at training in Brisbane. I received this morning the MRI report, unfortunately the news is not good and I will not be able to compete in Eugene at the World U20 Championships next month.”He also admitted the setback was difficult to accept but remained positive about his recovery.“I’m very disappointed but I have no other possibility but to accept the situation. I understand this is part of athletics. My focus now will be on my rehab in the coming weeks and months and ensuring I come back in 2027 better and stronger and faster.”
Gout Gout’s injury ends a remarkable season of record breaking performances
The injury comes after an unforgettable year for the teenage sprinter. At the Australian Athletics Championships in Sydney in April, Gout ran the 200 metres in 19.67 seconds. The performance made him the first Australian to legally run under 20 seconds in the event. It also broke the previous under 20 world record of 19.69 seconds, set by American sprinter Erriyon Knighton in 2022.His time was also quicker than Usain Bolt’s fastest under 20 performance of 19.93 seconds from 2004. Earlier in his career, Gout also ran the 100 metres in 9.99 seconds with an illegal tailwind, showing the speed that has made him one of the sport’s biggest young names.His recent races also showed his ability against top competition. He finished sixth in his Diamond League debut in Oslo before bouncing back with a strong 150 metre run in 14.96 seconds behind Olympic champion Noah Lyles. Gout had been expected to challenge for the 200 metre title at the World U20 Championships, but that opportunity will now have to wait while he begins his recovery.
