Revealed: Why Gout Gout pulled out of Commonwealth Games

Australian sprinting phenom Gout Gout has decided to rule himself out of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The 18-year-old has decided to instead compete at the U20 World Athletics Championships in the United States.

Speaking on his decision with coach Di Sheppard, Gout acknowledged the importance of the Commonwealth Games.

But with the tight turnaround between the two events, he felt that by competing in the U20 Championships, which would be last chance to win at those championships would be better for his development.

“It’s a great event,” he said to Channel 7’s Bruce McAvaney.

“And it’s one of those big meets where everyone loves (it), but looking at development, it’s definitely the better decision going for the World U20s.”

This was also a decision made with Gout's future in mind as they try to prolong his career for as long as possible.

"We want him to be running in his late 20s," Sheppard explained.

"So you don't want to push the boundaries too soon. It's just the fact they (Commonwealth Games and U20 World Championships) are so compacted."

Australia's chef de mission for the Commonwealth Games and former Olympic swimmer Petria Thomas has also come out stating that she respects the decision made by the Queenslander.

"Gout is a remarkable talent and although he won't be in Glasgow, we hope to see him don the green and gold at a Commonwealth Games in the future," Thomas said.

"I think it's important that we all remember he is 18 and remains on the rise.

"He has a long career ahead of him and we respect his decision to prioritise the world under-20 championships as he builds towards a home Olympic Games at Brisbane 2032.''

The 2026 Commonwealth Games were initially meant to take place in Victoria, but were instead moved to Glasgow in Scotland.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held between July 23 and August 2.

The 2026 U20 World Athletics Championships will take place between August 5-9 in Eugene, Oregon.