- Gout Gout will be a part of AFL grand final sprint
Teenage sprint sensation Gout Gout is locked in to fire the starting pistol for the AFL grand final sprint, which will feature boxer Harry Garside racing against footy’s fastest men.
The traditional 100-metre dash will take its usual place on the MCG at half-time this year, but with a couple of changes.
Instead of featuring heats with a player from each club, just seven players will be chosen to take part.
Olympic boxer Harry Garside will also be competing in the race after cheekily boasting on social media that he ‘could beat them all’.
‘I’m really excited to be part of the half-time sprint this year,’ Garside said.
‘As a Hawks fan, I’m always backing the boys to make it to the big stage, and the chance to run out alongside AFL players on grand final day is something really special.
Olympic boxer Harry Garside will race against footy’s fastest men on grand final day
‘I can’t wait to be part of such an iconic moment.’
Garside, who is currently in Bali, posted a clip of himself training on Tuesday and doesn’t seem to be as confident about his chances.
‘I have a feeling I’m gonna get absolutely butchered at the AFL grand final sprint,’ he captioned the clip.
Gout, who will compete in the world championships on Wednesday night, is also keen to be a part of the grand final occasion.
‘I’m super excited to be coming to Melbourne for the grand final in September and firing the start pistol for the half-time sprint!’ he said.
‘First time for me… and I hope I’ll be cheering on the Lions!
‘The AFL grand final is such a massive day, I’m pumped!’
Last week, Usain Bolt warned Gout that translating teenage talent into world and Olympic titles is a tough process.
Aussie sprint sensation Gout Gout will fire the starting pistol for the AFL grand final sprint
Gout will compete in the world championships on Wednesday night
Bolt said there was no doubt the 17-year-old had talent, but that was not enough.
‘If he continues on this track it’s going to be good but it’s all about getting everything right. I mean, it’s never just easy,’ he told reporters in Tokyo.
‘It’s always easier when you’re younger because I was there, I used to do great things when I was young but the transition to senior from junior is always tougher.
‘It’s all about if you get the right coach, the right people around you, if you’re focused enough, so there will be a lot of factors to determine if he’s going to be great, and if he’s going to continue on the same trajectory to a championship or Olympics.’
