“A diverse mix of Australians from various backgrounds join 197 other countries, offering unique global opportunities.”

“The momentum really began in Tokyo four years ago, laying a foundation that suggests this team is poised for an exciting phase, engaging the entire nation now and beyond.”

Australian runner Jessica Hull won the silver medal in the Women’s 1500m final at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Source: AAP / Dean Lewins

At the Paris Olympics in 2024, Australia’s athletics team won seven medals, the most at an Olympic Games since 1956, and the year before won six at the World Championships, also a record high.

However, hopes have dimmed slightly as Olympic pole vault champion Nina Kennedy and racewalker Jemima Montag, the latter having secured bronze in the 20km in Paris, have withdrawn from the championships due to injury, impacting Australia’s overall medal prospects.

Pressure on young stars

Reflecting on the Australian youngster while in Tokyo, Bolt noted that although Gout boasts talent, the path to victory is not guaranteed to be “just easy.”

McAvaney said Gout is “so interesting” given he’s about to start his year 12 studies while dealing with global fame and pressure to perform.

Bruce McAvaney embraces Gout Gout celebrating his Under 20s 200m triumph at the Queensland Athletics Championships in Brisbane in March, marking his first sub-20 second achievement in the 200m. Source: AAP / Jono Searle

“There’s a lot of expectation on him and noone really knows how he’s going to perform.

“She’s the Diamond League champion and the reigning world indoor champion; I see her chances as evenly matched with [Ukrainian Olympic champion Yaroslava] Mahuchikh. She’ll surely stand on the podium, showcasing her excellent competitive spirit,” McAvaney added.

The ‘one lap’ that inspired the whole world

“That’s how pure and rich that whole performance was from the lighting of the cauldron to winning that gold medal. She carried the nation on her back. The pressure was unbelievable. It would have diminished so many people but she actually took it on and soared.”

Cathy Freeman’s gold medal-winning 400m run at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Credit: Dean Lewins

McAvaney said the “one lap run of hers” laid down a benchmark for others to follow.