Gout Gout is set to make his major senior international debut in the 200-meter sprint at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The young athlete, who is still in high school in Queensland, is generating significant media attention just two days before the heats on Wednesday.

Gout expressed his ambitions during a media event hosted by his sponsor, adidas. He aims to qualify for the 200m final on Friday, a milestone that has only been achieved by three Australian men, none since 2005. His personal best stands at 20.02 seconds, and he hopes to break the 20-second barrier in the upcoming races.

"A PB, regardless of where I come, is definitely a big success," Gout said. "And if I can make it out of the semis then even better. Making it into the final is a big success."

This year, 17 men, including multiple Olympic and world champion Noah Lyles, have run under 20 seconds. Gout acknowledges that many of his competitors are more experienced and physically stronger. However, he is focused on his mental preparation.

"It's about mentally telling myself that I deserve to be here, that I'm the same as everyone else," he said. "Obviously my first experience at this level so I'm trying not to put too much pressure on myself. But also putting on enough pressure so I can go out there and run very fast and have fun with it."

Gout could have also qualified for the 100m and joined the Australian 4x100m relay team, but his coach, Di Sheppard, and manager, James Templeton, decided to prioritize his development. Gout is balancing his education with his athletic career, focusing on the 200m for now.

"The 200 is my baby as people like to say but definitely as I get stronger I'll get more into the 100," he noted.

As the World Championships continue, Gout's performance will be closely watched. The event is taking place at the National Stadium in Tokyo, where various competitions are scheduled, including the men's pole vault final featuring Australian athlete Kurtis Marschall.

The excitement builds as the championships progress, with Gout Gout's debut being one of the highlights to look forward to.