Australia’s teenage sprint sensation, Gout Gout, will spend the rest of 2026 on the sidelines after sustaining a hamstring injury on Wednesday night.

The burgeoning king of the track took to social media on Thursday to reveal the heartbreaking setback.

“Unfortunately, I suffered an injury to my left hamstring last night at training in Brisbane,” he wrote on Instagram.

“I received this morning the MRI report, unfortunately the news is not good and I will not be able to compete in Eugene at the World U20 championship next month.

“Comments within the MRI are as follows: There is a partial thickness tear of the proximal intramuscular tendon of the long head biceps femoris (hamstring). There is a partial disruption of the tendon, which involves less than 10% of the cross-sectional area of the tendon but extends over an 8cm length. This represents a grade 3C injury according to the BAMIC.

“I’m very disappointed but I have no other possibility but to accept this situation. I understand this is part of athletics.

“My focus now will be on my rehab in the coming weeks and months and ensuring I come back in 2027 better and stronger and faster.”

While the 18-year-old didn’t give a definitive timeline on the injury, the post caption read “See y’all in 2027 - Jeremiah 33:6”.

Gout withdrew from the Commonwealth Games to compete in Eugene, Oregon, but will now remain in Queensland.

Gout has taken athletics and the country by storm with his stellar performances and his ability to take it up to the country’s established stars.

There are great hopes for his future, with Olympic medals a real chance if all goes to plan.

Former American Olympic and World Champion sprinter Justin Gatlin replied to Gout’s Instagram post saying “let that recovery make you hungry G” with a prayer hands emoji.

The Australian Olympic Team’s official account also posted and hoped he’d be back on track next year, ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

“All the best in your recovery, Gout! Looking forward to seeing you back on the track in 2027,” the post read.

Australian Olympic gold medallist Sally Pearson added: “Heal up!!! See ya next season”.

Australian Athletics also reached out to the star-in-the-making.

“Australian Athletics sends its support to Gout Gout following his announcement today that a hamstring injury will prevent him from competing in the World Athletics Under 20s Championships in the USA in August,” a spokesperson said.

“Gout has had a phenomenal couple of years, and has a long and exciting athletics career ahead of him.

“While this will be disappointing for Gout himself as well as his many fans, unfortunately injuries are part of the sport, and it is important that he takes the time to rehabilitate, recover and return to the track to compete when he is ready.”