Teenage sprint sensation Gout Gout has been featured on an episode of the USA’s best rating news and current affairs program – 60 Minutes.
The Ipswich born sprinter has gained widespread traction since late 2024, with many sports fans across the globe keeping an eye on his story.
His confident coach Di Sheppard also made an appearance in the 13 minute package, with the mentor opening up about her relationship with Gout.
Sheppard first met the child of two South Sudanese immigrants when he was a student at Ipswich Grammar School in Queensland
‘I looked at him and just went, ‘Oh my God.’ Something just gut punchy. It was just like, ‘This kid’s the real deal,” Sheppard said.
Although her star pupil has become one of the biggest names in global sport, Sheppard doesn’t believe the fame will change him.
Gout Gout (pictured) has hit the big time and appeared on one of the US’ most popular TV shows
The teenager sprinter (pictured) has spoken about his journey
‘I think the only time we’ll have trouble is if it’s a girl that I don’t like,’ the sprint coach continued.
Sheppard has also opened up about the specifics surrounding Gout’s physical development.
‘He’s a kid. And he’s got so much more physical development,’ she added.
‘He only really hit puberty in the last 12 to 18 months, basically.’
Sheppard also made the stunning revelation that she had to correct Gout’s walking style, before they could even start on running.
‘I had to deal with a lot of growth issues with Gout. When I met Gout, he walked right up on his toes,’ Sheppard said.
‘If I tried to make him super quick now I’d break him.’
Gout’s rising popularity captured the attention of the US TV show, which averages more than 8 million viewers per episode.
Gout’s coach Di Sheppard (pictured) has revealed interesting detail about her relationship with the teenager
Gout and Sheppard (pictured) have formed one of the strongest coach-student relationships in world sport
Despite there being an increasing demand for attention, Gout doesn’t believe he boasts ‘fame’.
‘Me, personally, I don’t call it fame. I like to call it ‘well known in the wider community’,’ the sprint sensation said.
Gout’s relationship with coach Sheppard is one he holds dearly, but acknowledges is quite unique.
‘It’s a pretty crazy dynamic when you think about it. The old white lady and a young black kid, you know? It’s a crazy dynamic,’ Gout said.
‘But turns out it works perfectly, and [I] wouldn’t have it any other way.’
The teenager has now turned his attention to preparing for the LA Olympic Games, with his unwavering confidence in his own ability set to serve him well in competition.
‘This [sprinting] is what I was pretty much put onto this Earth to do, and that’s what I’m doing,’ Gout said.
