"I’m saying that hands down": Matt Shirvo's bold prediction
Matt Shirvington has made an enormous call about the future career of 16-year-old sprinter known as Gout Gout, saying he could be one of Australia's greatest athletes.
The Brisbane teenager shot to fame over the weekend after blitzing the 200m track record, completing the race in just 20.04 seconds.
The Sunrise host and former Olympic runner heaped praise on the lightning-fast teen, claiming “he will be the greatest athlete we have ever produced in this country”.
“This kid, just on the fact that he is such an amazing athlete, the most coveted record in (Australian) sprinting was Peter Norman’s 1968 200m record that he did in that iconic race, of course that Black Power race in Mexico City,” Shirvington began on Channel 7’s Sunrise.
“The fact he has come out as a 16-year-old — he is not 17 until the 29th of December — is a phenomenal thing."
“The other thing, he ran a windy 10.04 — that’s the fifth fastest in all conditions by an Australian. He will be the greatest athlete we have ever produced in this country. I’m saying that hands down.”
Shirvo's Sunrise co-hosts were taken aback by his claims, but his praise didn't stop there, as he even predicted he could be one of the greatest athletes in the world in years to come.
“A lot of people are comparing Gout to the GOAT, which is Usain Bolt, of course,” Shirvington said. “I think he’s got more to produce the goods."
“And I sat down with a British coach who has trained some of the best 400m runners in the world ever and he reckons over the 400 he could very well be the world record holder too.
“Who knows, 100, 200, 400 — he may make it happen. In terms of the 100, breaking the 10 second barrier, it will not only be a blip on his radar, he will do it 100 times and it won’t even be a barrier for him.”
“He’s so young, so talented, he has a great team around him, his coach Di Shepherd, his manager James Templeton, his parents are just beautiful people,” Shirvington continued. “He is one of 7 siblings, he’s got a great story. And heading into 2032, there is going to be a huge support for him. He has the world at his feet."
“He’s going to train with Noah Lyles in January — of course Noah Lyles the Olympic champion. He’s going to be brilliant. For me, greatness is destined for Gout Gout.”
Image credits: X / Sunrise