‘It’s something bling’: Gout Gout ready to sparkle as he enters new phase of sprint career

• Teen sensation has finished school and now trains as full-time athlete

• 18-year-old to renew rivalry with Lachlan Kennedy at Maurie Plant

Dazzling in his sponsor’s tracksuit, and sparkling with an earring and two glimmering chains, sprint sensation Gout Gout told his first press conference in Melbourne his confidence is growing.

The teenager spoke to a swarm of cameras on Thursday, ahead of the Maurie Plant Meet on Saturday. The major attraction of the marquee night in Australian athletics is a rematch of the 200m race against Lachie Kennedy last year, when Gout was upstaged.