An engaging and intoxicating mix of the ordinary and the absolutely extraordinary, Gout Gout is ready to take the world athletics championships by storm.

The articulate and composed schoolboy superstar didn't miss a beat in his only pre-race media function on Monday which covered a wide variety of topics over 45 minutes.

Getting name-checked by the legendary Usain Bolt is a huge thrill.

Having a bromance with US sprint superstar Noah Lyles - who he will clash with in the 200m later in the week - is great.

Fame can be crazy - especially when a fan wants you to sign her baby's forehead.

Much of the material would be familiar to an Australian audience who have come to know the 17-year-old during his extraordinary rise to prominence in the past year.

But the international press pack lapp

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