Australia teenager must match or beat his fastest 200m times to make sure his World Athletics Championships debut lasts more than just Wednesday’s heat
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ustralian teenager Gout Gout must first prove himself against sprinting’s emerging talent on Wednesday if he is to secure a match-up against the running royalty tipped to dominate the men’s 200m at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Gout’s 200m heat pits him against five semi-final contenders aged 23 or under, including three that have run quicker than him. In the traditional knockout format, only first, second and third are guaranteed a place in the next round, requiring Gout to be at or near his best to make sure his senior major debut lasts more than one race.
The field is led by Bryan Levell, who last month recorded the third quickest 200m time in the rich history of Jamaican sprinting, behind only Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake. His 19.69sec into a slight headwind in Budapest elevated him into the medal conversation in Tokyo. But he has been consistent since winning Jamaica’s national title in June, including two sub 20.30sec runs in overseas meets before his breakout time in August.
