Zharnel Hughes refrains from speculating on the potential of the highly talented Gout Gout, emphasizing that the young athlete has yet to face the world’s elite competitors. The 17-year-old Australian sprinter has showcased remarkable speed for his age, surpassing Usain Bolt’s achievements during a similar stage in his career. Gout is set to make his international debut in the 200m event at the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo.
Although Gout has displayed promising performances, including setting an Oceania record of 20.02 in the 200m at the Ostrava Golden Spike event, his transition to senior competition has been a mix of successes and setbacks. Notably, he was defeated by fellow Australian Lachlan Kennedy in his first senior 100m race earlier this year.
Hughes, the British record holder in both the 100m and 200m events, acknowledges Gout’s potential but believes a true assessment of his capabilities can only be made once he competes at a higher level. Expressing interest in facing Gout on the track, Hughes praises the youngster’s speed and wishes him success in future competitions.
Regarding a potential matchup with Gout, Hughes emphasizes his focus on executing his own race rather than solely outperforming his competitors. He anticipates a competitive environment with emerging talents like Gout and emphasizes the need to deliver one’s best performance on race day.