Gout does it again: Teen blitzes field in 200m races

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To make the performance more impressive, Gout was effectively racing himself. He won the race by more than 30m (second place ran 22.22s) so was far from being pushed to run a quick time. It was legal wind of +1.2 metres/second.

Both performances on Sunday are big statements about where the year 12 Ipswich schoolboy is at.

The first legal run in the 200m heat reaffirms the idea that his record-breaking performance at All-Schools last year was not a one-off, and he is backing it up with consistently quick times.

While the time from his sub-20s run in the final won’t be recognised due to the illegal tailwind, it will confirm in his mind he can roll his legs through fast enough to get him down the track in under 20 seconds.

Gout also said that his coach Di Sheppard had him in a heavy training load at the moment, building towards the upcoming Maurie Plant meet in Melbourne.

The context of Gout’s record-breaking run in December was that it was quicker than Usain Bolt ran the 200m at the same age.

Meanwhile, Olympic 100m semi-finalist Rohan Browning suggested he is returning to his best form after a long period battling a chronic knee problem, running a sharp 10.12 seconds in the 100m – his best performance to open a season.

“I think I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been, I feel really robust, able to run around, and now I’m looking forward to the crown jewels of the domestic season,” the 27-year-old said.

“I didn’t want to run until I was ready to run quick. It was rusty but the landscape has changed so much. (Lachie) Kennedy, Gout, Josh Azzopardi (have emerged) but I think I have some life left in me.”