Australian 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.
