Gout Gout's manager says the youngster must be allowed to be a normal kid.
The manager of Australian sprint sensation Gout Gout has expressed his discontent with the frequent comparisons to legendary sprinter Usain Bolt after his recent heroics.
Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that James Templeton has urged that the 16-year-old be allowed to enjoy a normal childhood.
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Gout Gout has been making headlines after breaking the Australian U20 record in the 200m, clocking an impressive 20.29 seconds at the Queensland School Championships, making him the fastest Australian sprinter in over three decades.
Despite his remarkable achievements, including being hailed as Bolt's heir apparent, Gout's manager, Templeton, believes such comparisons are not only premature but also unfair.
Speaking on the ABC Sport Daily podcast, via Metro UK, Templeton emphasised the importance of allowing Gout to focus on his development without the added pressure of living up to Bolt's legacy.
“I’ve avoided using the ‘UB’ comparison. I think that’s unfair to a young athlete,” he stated, highlighting a desire for Gout to remain grounded and focused on his education and personal life.
Gout's recent performance has indeed raised eyebrows, as he now ranks as the fourth-fastest runner in Australian and World U18 history, trailing only behind sprinting legends like Bolt and Erriyon Knighton.
His record-breaking run has ignited excitement within the athletics community, with many speculating about his potential future in the sport.
While Templeton aims to shield Gout from excessive media attention and comparisons, the young athlete himself has expressed pride in being mentioned alongside Bolt.
As Gout continues to shine on the track, both he and his management are committed to ensuring that he remains focused on his athletic journey while enjoying his youth.
With aspirations for future competitions, including potential Olympic appearances, Gout is determined to carve out his legacy in the world of athletics.