Gout: A Growing Australian Concern

Australian Athletics at a Crossroads: Two Stars Emerge

The Australian athletics scene is buzzing, and while the youthful exuberance of a prodigious talent has captivated the nation, a more seasoned star is quietly making his mark. The recent Maurie Plant Meets in Melbourne have highlighted this dynamic, showcasing the immense potential of young sprinter Gout and the undeniable prowess of Lachie Kennedy.

Gout, whose speed has often been described as making observers “hasty” and impatient for results, recently faced a setback, finishing second to Kennedy. However, this loss, his second in successive Maurie Plant Meets, should not be cause for concern. It’s crucial to remember that Gout is still a teenager, barely an adult, and has predominantly trained and competed in the Queensland heat and humidity against his peers. His recent performance in cooler, wet Melbourne, where he ran 20 seconds flat despite not performing at his peak, is still a testament to his extraordinary ability.

The fact remains that Gout has repeatedly demonstrated a speed over 200 metres that surpasses any Australian of any age, a feat he first achieved as a 16-year-old. His journey to the World Championships, balancing school terms with international competition, and reaching the semi-finals against the world’s elite, is a remarkable achievement for someone so young.

Lachie Kennedy: The Understated Champion

If not for Gout’s meteoric rise, Lachie Kennedy would undoubtedly be the undisputed focus of Australian sprinting. Kennedy, a generational athlete, has had the misfortune of arriving on the scene during a period of intense interest in Gout. However, his own achievements are significant and warrant considerable attention.

Last year’s victory by Kennedy over Gout was considered an upset, largely because, while his speed was known, he hadn’t yet achieved major accolades. Since then, Kennedy has shattered expectations. He broke the 10-second barrier for the 100 metres, clocking 9.98 seconds in Nairobi, becoming only the second Australian man, after Patrick Johnson’s 9.93s in 2003, to achieve this milestone.

Kennedy’s coach, Andrew Iselin, acknowledges Gout’s youth and unknown ceiling as exciting prospects. However, he also expresses equal excitement about the combined potential of both sprinters. “What is really exciting is the prospect of what these two sprinters could do,” Iselin commented.

A 10-Second Runner in Any Conditions

The most compelling aspect of Kennedy’s performance in Melbourne was his 10.03-second run in the 100 metres under mild conditions. Having already dipped under 10 seconds in favourable environments, this run solidifies his status as a consistent sub-10-second performer, regardless of the weather. Iselin believes that Kennedy’s Nairobi run will not be his last sub-10-second performance.

Despite the gruelling schedule, which saw him needing to lie down and attempt to sleep between races due to severe cramping, Kennedy’s dedication is unwavering. He was close to withdrawing from the 200 metres, but his passion for racing prevailed. He harbours ambitions of completing the sprint double at the national championships in April and at the Commonwealth Games later this year, aiming to conquer all records, including those held by Gout, Johnson, and even Usain Bolt.

A significant factor in Kennedy’s racing strategy is his primary focus on the 100 metres. This often means he rarely competes in the 200 metres while fresh, as the 100m is typically run first.

Unlocking Kennedy’s 200m Potential

Iselin believes that Kennedy has the potential to break the 20-second barrier for the 200 metres if he were to have the opportunity to race it under optimal conditions. “He has the 200 record in his sights. He is capable of running 19 seconds for the 200 if he ever gets a chance to run it fresh. He is definitely capable of breaking 20. But it is rare he gets that opportunity,” Iselin stated.

The coach further elaborates on Kennedy’s growing strength and adaptability. “He is getting stronger. To go out and run 10.03s in Melbourne (for the 100m), that is a 9.8s in Brisbane conditions. He is now a 10 flat runner in any conditions. He is now keen to race some faster people.” Kennedy’s mental fortitude is also a key asset. “Nothing fazes him. He doesn’t care about the focus on Gout. He likes Gout, he understands why people focus on him because of what he has done. But he just loves to race and to win.”

A Golden Era for Australian Athletics

The current period for Australian athletics can be described as a golden era. The sell-out crowd at Albert Park on Saturday night is a testament to this resurgence, with Gout being a significant drawcard. However, the talent pool extends far beyond the sprints.

On the track, world and Olympic champions Nina Kennedy and Nicola Olyslagers showcased their exceptional abilities in the pole vault and high jump, respectively. In middle-distance running, Cam Myers and Claudia Hollingsworth are proving to be world-class talents, potentially becoming some of the greatest Australian middle-distance runners ever. Hollingsworth impressively defeated the Olympic silver medallist and recent world indoor champion, while Myers demonstrated his dominance with a commanding victory.

These athletes, with Hollingsworth at 20, Myers at 19, Kennedy at 22, and Gout at just 18, represent the future of Australian sport. The depth of talent and the exciting performances emerging across various disciplines suggest that Australian athletics is in a period of unprecedented strength and promise. There is no need for concern; the future looks exceptionally bright.