I have always had an obsession with speed – and I’m not just talking about fast bowling.

Back in my school days, I was captivated by the fastest runners at our high school athletics carnivals.

Watching someone run so elegantly, yet at such high speeds, is truly remarkable.

And there is nothing like experiencing it live. The difference between viewing it on TV and seeing it in person is monumental. It’s difficult to grasp the sheer velocity of these performers through a screen.

Which is why this weekend’s Australian Athletics Championships is such a treat for the Perth public. According to those who would know, 17-year-old phenomenon Gout Gout could become anything. Olympic finals, medals, the fastest man in the world. Nothing is off the table.

And we got a taste of it in his under-20 100m runs on Thursday night. In his heat, Gout seemed to effortlessly separate himself from the pack, almost gliding above the track, before easing up over the last 10m. And still clocking 9.99sec!

Even in the final, his competitors ran very good times, yet he made them look slow. It underscored how exceptional he is.

While an illegal tailwind meant his two times of 9.99sec didn’t put him into the record books as only the second Australian to go under 10 seconds, it’s only a matter of time before he does it – regardless of the conditions.

Gout has already drawn comparisons to the greatest in Usain Bolt and the pressure that comes with being in the spotlight is something he’s going to have to deal with. It’s going to be crucial for him to determine how far he wants to go and to tune out the external noise — sometimes easier said than done.

Navigating the highs and lows of public perception is a process that he’ll need to understand fully. It’s essential to recognise how to handle general media attention and positive remarks, as well as the negative feedback that can come with fame.

Personally, I believe it’s best not to get too wrapped up in either the praise or criticism, and instead, focus on what works for you.

That being said, everyone has their own way of coping with the spotlight. Some athletes draw motivation from the attention and headlines, while others may find it distracting. Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance that allows you to perform at your best.

We’ll get to see more of Gout on Sunday in his favourite event, the 200m, in his highly anticipated rematch with fellow Queenslander Lachlan Kennedy.

Having beaten Gout in Melbourne recently, Kennedy will be looking to put up another fierce challenge. This match-up is one to watch and these are the battles we need to see in the sport – the best athletes pushing each other to keep getting better.

The 200m promises to be a thrilling contest, as both sprinters bring unique strengths to the track. The Perth track seems to be a fast one, and with both athletes pushing each other, expect both to run very impressive times as Gout tries to get one back on Kennedy.

The two Queensland athletes going at it reminds me of the times two cricketers would be vying for the same bowling position in a team.

They were always intense sessions. You would be bowling as if you were in a game and fired up to show the captain you are to be picked ahead of your mate, who is doing the same thing. Growth comes from two athletes pushing each other’s limits.

Writing about cricket brings me to a question I often get asked: how did you bowl fast? I think it’s like sprinting in many ways — it really does feel like some people are just born to do it.

While there are training methods that can help improve speed and techniques to refine, at the end of the day, I believe innate talent plays a significant role which hard work can then build on.

That passion and determination deep within you are crucial factors. It’s about having that drive to push yourself beyond your limits, whether you’re sprinting down the track or bowling in cricket. It’s this combination of natural ability and relentless commitment that sets the greats apart.

We are a sporting nation that thrives on competition. Embracing the underdog mentality while also aspiring to be the best in everything we do is part of our identity.

Gout is headlining what looks like an exceptional new wave of sprinting talent in Australia, including Perth schoolgirl Leah O’Brien who took Raelene Boyle’s national under-18 100m record that had stood since 1968.

Like any elite athlete, it takes a tremendous amount of sacrifice to reach the top. But the discipline and sacrifices required in sprinting can be particularly challenging.

Whether it’s balancing schooling, like Gout, with rigorous training or working a full day and then hitting the track, the commitment is significant. The mindset of these athletes, and their determination to shave off hundredths of a second to achieve greatness, is truly inspiring.

The future of Australian athletics looks bright, and I can’t wait to see how these talented individuals continue to develop and inspire us all.