Australia’s leading sprinter Lachlan Kennedy has expressed strong confidence in fellow athlete Gout Gout’s potential to rebound following a challenging debut on the Diamond League circuit. The 18-year-old Gout finished sixth in his first 200-meter race in the series, held last week in Oslo, running nearly a second slower than his personal best time.

Kennedy, who is regarded as Australia’s fastest man after clocking 9.96 seconds in the 100 meters earlier this year, acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized Gout’s relative youth and inexperience at this elite level. “It’s his first Diamond League ever. He’s the youngest one in the field, he got the sixth and I don’t think he ran his best race,” Kennedy said. He added that Gout’s progress would be sharpened by accumulating international racing experience.

Gout is set to return to competition on Wednesday morning (AEST) in Ostrava, where he will face Olympic champion Noah Lyles in a highly anticipated 150-meter race at the Golden Spike meeting. Kennedy suggested this event would offer an important opportunity for Gout to gain confidence and continue his development against world-class opposition.

Kennedy himself is preparing to commence his international campaign in the United States next month, beginning with the Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, on July 4. This event will serve as part of his build-up to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he aims to secure a medal in the 100 meters.

In addition to Kennedy, Australian sprint star Eddie Nketia, currently competing in the United States collegiate system, is expected to be named to the Australian team for the Commonwealth Games next week, creating a strong sprinting contingent for the nation.

Kennedy remained positive about the trajectory of Australian sprinting talent, noting the importance of perseverance in the face of scrutiny. “People are going to talk because he’s a good athlete and if you have haters then you’re doing something right,” Kennedy commented, underscoring his belief in Gout’s capacity to harness early setbacks as motivation for future success.