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Gout Gout Seeks Redemption in 200m Showdown Against Lachlan Kennedy at Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne

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Lachlan Kennedy

MELBOURNE, Australia — Australian sprint sensation Gout Gout headlines one of the most anticipated domestic clashes of the 2026 athletics season Saturday night, racing rival Lachlan Kennedy in the men’s 200 meters at the Maurie Plant Meet, the opening World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event of the year.

Lachlan Kennedy
Lachlan Kennedy

The 18-year-old prodigy from Queensland arrives at Lakeside Stadium confident and healthy after battling illness at the recent state championships, declaring himself “ready to rock and roll” as he seeks revenge for last year’s narrow loss to Kennedy in the same Peter Norman Memorial 200m race.

Gout, widely regarded as one of the fastest teenagers in history and Australia’s brightest track prospect since Cathy Freeman, will line up against fellow Queenslander Kennedy — the defending champion who edged him in a thriller in 2025 — and Ireland’s Benjamin Richardson, a sub-20-second performer adding international spice to the marquee event. The race is scheduled for 9:21 p.m. AEDT.

Fresh off a dominant performance at the Queensland Athletics Championships earlier in March, where he claimed the open-age 200m title in 20.42 seconds despite a headwind and lingering sinus issues, Gout enters the meet as the clear favorite in the half-lap event he now calls his primary focus. He also won the under-20 100m title at the state meet, clocking 10.20 seconds (+1.5 wind) after shaking off a head cold that left him bed-ridden the previous day.

The teenager, who turned professional full-time after finishing Year 12 at Ipswich Grammar School late last year, has embraced the transition to elite-level training under coach Di Sheppard. Speaking to a swarm of media at Lakeside Stadium earlier this week, Gout appeared relaxed and stylish in his sponsor’s tracksuit, complete with earrings and chains, while expressing growing confidence.

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“Confidence comes with experience,” he said, adding that the friendly but fierce rivalry with Kennedy has been “amazing” for pushing both athletes. “I’m the 200m specialist, so I’m just focusing on my 200 right now.”

Gout’s rapid rise has captivated Australia and drawn global attention. Born Dec. 29, 2007, the South Sudanese-Australian sprinter first exploded onto the scene in December 2024 when, at age 16, he shattered the long-standing Australian 200m record of 20.06 seconds set by Olympic silver medalist Peter Norman in 1968. His 20.04-second clocking at the Australian All Schools Championships not only broke that 56-year-old mark but established a world age best for under-17 athletes.

In February 2026, Gout opened his senior campaign in stunning fashion, equaling the fastest legal 100m time ever recorded by an Australian on home soil with a 10.00-second effort (+0.9 wind) at the Dane Bird-Smith Shield Meet in Brisbane. The performance demolished the previous Australian under-20 record and positioned him as the third-fastest Australian man in history over the distance, behind only Patrick Johnson and Rohan Browning.

That run also secured his first qualifying standard for the 2026 World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, in August — the meet Gout has prioritized above all else this year. In a bold scheduling decision announced in February, he opted out of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow to focus on claiming gold at the juniors, where he hopes to emulate Usain Bolt’s success as a teenager.

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Gout’s 200m personal best stands at 20.02 seconds, making him the Australian record holder and one of the quickest half-lap runners of his generation worldwide. His progression has been meteoric: from 23.43 seconds as a 12-year-old to consistently dipping under 20.5 seconds while still a schoolboy.

The Maurie Plant Meet carries special significance as it honors Australian athletics administrator Maurie Plant and features the Peter Norman Memorial 200m, paying tribute to the 1968 Olympic silver medalist and human rights advocate. Last year’s edition saw Kennedy triumph in 20.26 seconds, with Gout close behind in what many described as an epic domestic battle.

Kennedy, a seasoned campaigner, set a new meet record in the 100m earlier Saturday evening with 10.03 seconds, signaling strong form heading into the 200m showdown. Richardson adds danger, having previously broken the 20-second barrier.

Gout has trained with Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles in Florida during the off-season and plans a selective European campaign, including potential Diamond League appearances and the Ostrava Golden Spike meet in June. His manager and coach have carefully mapped a schedule designed to peak for the world juniors while building experience against senior competition.

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Beyond raw speed, Gout’s appeal lies in his charisma and grounded personality. Viral clips of his races routinely rack up millions of views, with one 15-month-old heat performance recirculating widely on social media in recent days. Fans and pundits alike have drawn comparisons to Bolt, though Gout remains focused on his own path.

“I’m all clear, all healthy,” he told reporters Thursday, brushing off the sinus troubles that hampered his Queensland campaign. “I’m ready to rock and roll on Saturday.”

The Maurie Plant Meet marks the start of 12 Continental Tour Gold events in 2026, offering valuable ranking points and international exposure. Other Australian stars expected to shine include high jumper Nicola Olyslagers, pole vaulter Nina Kennedy and middle-distance runner Cameron Myers.

Australian Athletics officials have hailed Gout as a generational talent whose success could inspire a new wave of young sprinters, particularly from diverse backgrounds. His story — from a talented schoolboy to full-time professional chasing global glory — embodies the potential of the domestic talent pathway.

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As evening falls on Lakeside Stadium, anticipation builds for what could be another chapter in one of Australian track’s most compelling rivalries. A victory for Gout would not only deliver redemption but also send a strong signal ahead of his international season.

Whether he dips under 20 seconds again or simply edges Kennedy in a photo finish, the teenage star’s presence ensures the meet will draw a capacity crowd and national television audience. For Gout Gout, Saturday night represents another step on the journey from schoolboy prodigy to senior superstar.

Fans can follow live results via Athletics Australia and World Athletics platforms. With the world under-20 championships on the horizon and whispers of future Olympic contention, the spotlight on Australia’s fastest teenager shows no signs of dimming.

The evening also underscores the depth of Australian sprinting, with multiple athletes capable of world-class performances on home soil. Yet all eyes remain fixed on Gout — the young man with the explosive start, powerful finish and unshakable belief that bigger things lie ahead.

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As he prepares to toe the line once more, Gout Gout carries the hopes of a nation eager to see how far the teenager can fly in 2026 and beyond.

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National Australia Bank flags $503 million impairment hit on Mideast volatility

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National Australia Bank flags $503 million impairment hit on Mideast volatility


National Australia Bank flags $503 million impairment hit on Mideast volatility

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Omkara, Oaktree pay Rs 1,200 crore to buy GTL debt from Edelweiss

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Omkara, Oaktree pay Rs 1,200 crore to buy GTL debt from Edelweiss
Mumbai: Omkara Asset Reconstruction Company, along with global investor Oaktree Capital Management, has acquired the debt of GTL Infrastructure from Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company in a secondary market transaction, people familiar with the matter said.

The all-cash deal, valued at about ₹1,200 crore, involves a transfer of stressed debt between asset reconstruction platforms and investors. It was closed in March. The exposure dates back to 2018, when Edelweiss ARC, in partnership with Oaktree and other investors, had acquired nearly 90% of GTL Infra’s loans, then valued at around ₹4,000 crore.

The telecom tower company had defaulted on debt exceeding ₹11,000 crore, triggering multiple restructuring efforts over the years.

People familiar with the latest transaction said Edelweiss had put the exposure on the block as its fund lifecycle neared maturity, prompting a takeout by Omkara.

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“This is a 100% cash deal between ARCs. Edelweiss exited and we acquired the exposure,” an executive at one of the firms said on condition of anonymity.


Investors are betting on improved recovery prospects this time. “The underlying business is more or less stable now. The towers are operational, and that improves the chances of recovery,” the person said.
Omkara is understood to be targeting an exit over the next two years, either through asset sales or a negotiated settlement. “The idea is to close the account in about two years-through sale of assets or other recovery mechanisms,” the person added. Omkara and Edelweiss ARC spokespersons did not respond to requests for comment until press time Sunday.

In 2018, after a steep revenue and Ebitda decline following the exit of key clients including Aircel, RCom and Tata Teleservices, GTL Infrastructure sought to deleverage, with lenders assigning 79.34% of its ₹3,226-crore debt to Edelweiss ARC. The firm submitted multiple restructuring proposals from April 2018 onward, expecting a swift resolution, but lenders did not act on these plans and some retained their exposure.

In November 2022, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) rejected a plea by Canara Bank to initiate insolvency proceedings, ruling that the company remained a viable going concern and did not meet the threshold for admission under the bankruptcy code.

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Market, rupee fortunes may prove fickle amid Iran flareup

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Market, rupee fortunes may prove fickle amid Iran flareup
Mumbai: Markets are set to face fresh turmoil on Monday, with Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz because its ports were being blockaded by the US, forcing oil prices back up, in sharp contrast to the optimism on Friday, when the key maritime channel had been opened up.

Stocks and the rupee are seen facing fresh challenges after having recouped losses and strengthened amid easing geopolitical tensions. Last week, the Sensex and Nifty gained up to 1.3%, while broader indices advanced further – the Nifty Midcap 150 rose 3.5% and Smallcap 250 was up 4.4%, extending gains for the second straight week. The rebound faces hurdles if tensions erupt again.

The rupee may open 30-35 paise weaker against the dollar. It closed at 92.93 per dollar on Friday, up 0.30% from the previous close. But traders expect it to slip below 93 due to higher oil prices, after some ships were fired upon as Iran closed the Strait. Satellite imagery late on Sunday showed ships at a standstill, after they had started moving two days before.

“On Friday, things had cooled down a bit after Iran opened the Strait but since then, there have been some volatilities, as a result of which, oil prices have increased,” said Alok Singh, head of treasury at CSB Bank. “It is now turning out to be a market driven by statements from the US and Iran. We should expect volatility to continue till there is clarity.”

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Belligerent statements by both sides are balanced by plans for renewed dialogue in Pakistan this week. Mediators and affected Gulf states are also keenly aware that the end of the two-week ceasefire is days away.

Screenshot 2026-04-20 060704Agencies

RBI may Help Rupee
“Based on the current news flow, markets on Monday are likely to react primarily to crude prices,” said Shrikant Chouhan, head of equity research, Kotak Securities. “If oil moves back toward $100 per barrel, the market may open near previous closing levels, and then shift focus toward domestic developments.”
When Iran announced on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz would be open as part of peace efforts, Brent crude plunged 9% to $90.38 a barrel, helping Wall Street benchmarks close at record highs later in the day. Before the US-Iran truce, prices were at around $110.
All eyes are on the diplomatic peace talks between the US and Iran, with the ceasefire deadline of April 22 fast approaching, said Siddhartha Khemka, head of research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services. “Now that there has been a sharp rally over the past 10 trading sessions, there should be some consolidation,” he said.

Higher oil prices will push the rupee to open lower on Monday before the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) possibly steps in to prevent a sharp fall, traders said. RBI’s move to take dollar demand by oil companies out of the market by providing them a direct supply of the currency through State Bank of India may also prevent a sharp fall in the rupee.

If the war continues for a longer period and crude again goes back to $100-120 per barrel, it will be negative for the economy, and markets could see a worse reaction, said Mahesh Ojha, vice president, research, Kantilal Chhaganlal Securities. “Fourth quarter results from ICICI are marginally better than expected, while HDFC Bank posted a steady quarter, and this could act as a positive trigger on Monday,” he said. “If conditions turn worse, the banking heavyweights could offer support, while if sentiment improves, they could add further upside.”

Since the ceasefire announcement on April 8, the Sensex and Nifty have gained over 5%, while the Nifty Midcap 150 and Nifty Smallcap 250 advanced roughly 10%.

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The market seems well-positioned to extend its uptrend, rather than remain range-bound, said Dhupesh Dhameja, derivatives analyst at Samco Securities.

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WrestleMania 42 Night 2: Has Brock Lesnar Retired?

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WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 2 - Brock Lesnar

It seems Brock Lesnar has retired.

Following his loss to Oba Femi during the second night of WrestleMania 42, Lesnar left his gloves and wrestling boots in the ring, a typical sign of retirement that fans last saw when AJ Styles retired in January.

Brock Lesnar Leaves Gloves, Boots in the Ring

Lesnar stayed seated in the ring after the match, soon shocking fans in attendance and watching at home when he began to remove his gloves. Fans soon began to voice their disapproval, continuously chanting “No!” as he went.

A visibly emotional and crying Lesnar then began to remove his boots before leaving them, along with the gloves, at the center of the ring.

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Paul Heyman eventually entered the ring, and Lesnar made an “x” sign with his arms before the two shared a hug.

Lesnar waved to the crowd and bowed in gratitude before leaving the ring as chants of “Thank you, Lesnar” echoed throughout the arena.

Is This It for Lesnar?

If his actions in the ring truly meant that his match against Femi is his final match, Lesnar joins the list of recently-retired WWE legends.

It can be recalled that John Cena retired in December after tapping out to Gunther. AJ Styles likewise retired in January after a match with “The Career Killer.”

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Fan reaction online has been swift as many grappled with the idea that Lesnar his retired, with many expressing their gratitude to one of the greatest combat athletes WWE has ever seen.

One fan on X expressed shock by saying, “4 minutes 45 seconds for what could be Brock’s last match??”

“Brock hasn’t retired yet,” another fan said. “We will see on Raw when Gunther confronts him.”

One pointed out a sad truth for a generation of WWE fans by saying, “Lesnar, Styles, & Cena all announced their retirement in the span of four months.”

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Originally published on sportsworldnews.com

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National Australia Bank hikes credit provisions on Iran war; flags $961 mln charge

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National Australia Bank hikes credit provisions on Iran war; flags $961 mln charge

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CStone presents preclinical data on three ADC candidates at AACR

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CStone presents preclinical data on three ADC candidates at AACR

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Traders ready to put war behind, dial up the risk

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Traders ready to put war behind, dial up the risk
Credit investors are loading up on riskier debt, betting that Iran and the US can extend their truce, and leaving behind havens they’ve favoured since the war broke out in late February.

In the first half of April, investors bought a net $500 million of bonds in the lowest tier of investment grade, and sold $7.3 billion of the higher tiers, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. That helped BBB bonds perform comparatively better than higher-rated notes, pushing the gap between spreads for BBB and A corporates to the tightest since before the war.

There may be good reason for these slightly riskier bonds to be performing better: BBB rated companies have outperformed analysts’ average forecasts more than A companies have, according to a Bloomberg News analysis.

Buyers are hoping a more lasting peace in West Asia can be forged by negotiators, and that companies in the lower edges of investment grade can keep performing well.

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“There is some value in the BBB space and issuers there have been good stewards of the balance sheet and generally improving credit quality,” said Gene Tannuzzo, global head of fixed income at Columbia Threadneedle Investments.


Investors have also been snatching up junk bonds, although with a preference for the higher-rated end of the spectrum, implying that money managers still see risk ahead even as they grow moderately more hopeful. Overall spreads for junk bonds are at their tightest since the war began, averaging 2.72% as of Thursday’s close.

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Nifty has a bit of momentum, but faces resistance at 24,300-24,700

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Nifty has a bit of momentum, but faces resistance at 24,300-24,700
Technical signals suggest the recent rebound on Dalal Street is gathering traction, but conviction remains key. Analysts broadly see the market attempting to transition from a corrective phase to a more durable uptrend, supported by improving momentum and selective buying interest. However, they caution that the move is still at a critical juncture, with resistance zones likely to test the strength of the recovery.

ROHAN SHAH
TECHNICAL ANALYST, ASIT C MEHTA INVESTMENT

Where is Nifty headed this week?
Nifty staged a strong comeback this month after a prolonged four-month decline, supported by easing geopolitical tensions and lower crude prices. The index has approached a resistance band of 24,300–24,700, which aligns with multiple technical studies. However, sustained strength above this zone is essential for the continuation of the upward momentum, potentially paving the way toward 25,500. Inability to hold above this zone may trigger profit booking, dragging the index lower towards 23,500–23,200. Trading Strategy: Buy Nifty futures above 24,700 for an upside target of 25,500, maintaining a stop-loss below 24,250.

TOP STOCK BETS
Jubilant FoodWorks
Buy at CMP Rs 459 | Stop-loss Rs 420 | Target Rs 525
The stock shows early reversal signs, backed by one-year high volumes and a high-wave candle near a demand zone, indicating selling exhaustion. The Rs 420–440 zone is key support; RSI shows bullish divergence.
Maruti Suzuki India
Buy at CMP Rs 13,453 | Stop-loss Rs 12,500 | Target Rs 15,500

The stock has witnessed a strong rebound after confirming a bullish ABCD harmonic pattern. The formation of a cup-and-handle pattern alongside improving volumes signals accumulation. RSI holding above its breakout level suggests a positive bias.

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Nifty has a Bit of Momentum, but Faces Resistance at 24,300-24,700Agencies

AJIT MISHRA
SVP – RESEARCH, RELIGARE BROKING

Where is Nifty headed this week?
Nifty is now approaching key moving averages (100 and 200 DEMA) in the 24,600– 24,800 zone. Sustained strength above this band could open room for further upside towards 25,200. In case of profit booking or consolidation, the 23,700–24,000 zone is likely to provide strong support.

Trading Strategies: For the short term, traders may consider a “buy on dip” approach in the 24,150–24,250 range, with a stop-loss at 23,900 and potential targets of 24,800 and 25,200. Among sectoral themes, the Nifty Energy Index has witnessed a fresh breakout after spending more than one-anda-half years in a consolidation phase. Participants can consider playing this theme through an ETF, i.e., Mirae Asset Nifty Energy ETF. It is currently trading at Rs 39.11, and one can accumulate it in the Rs 37–40 zone with a stoploss at Rs 34 for a positional target of Rs 52.

TOP STOCK BETS
Federal Bank Buy. CMP Rs 293 | Stop-loss Rs 278 | Target Rs 325

Federal Bank is in a steady uptrend with higher highs and lows post-base formation. A strong breakout near the 200-DMA signals a sentiment shift; price holds above key averages, with RSI supporting continuation.

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JSW Energy
Buy. CMP Rs 538 | Stop-loss Rs 504 | Target Rs 598

JSW Energy is in a stage-2 uptrend, consolidating after a strong rally. The range-bound move near the 200-DMA suggests a healthy pause, with price now attempting an upward breakout supported by improving momentum.

RAJESH PALVIYA
HEAD OF TECHNICAL AND DERIVATIVES, AXIS SECURITIES

Where is Nifty headed this week?
Nifty is fast approaching 24,415—the upper boundary of the bearish gap etched on March 9. A conviction close above 24,500, however, could open the floodgates. The next logical pit stops are 24,762— the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of the Feb March decline—and the psychologically significant 25,000 mark. A slip below the 24,000–23,900 support band would be a warning shot, potentially dragging the index back to retest its weekly low of 23,555. Traders on the long side would do well to respect this floor. The overall outlook remains positive, as the weekly RSI continues to stay above its reference line. This indicates that positive momentum is still intact and not yet exhausted.

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Trading Strategies: The recommended strategy for Nifty options for the April 28, 2026, expiry is a call spread, ideal for a moderately bullish market outlook. The trader buys one lot of the 24,400-strike Call option at a premium of Rs 260–240 and simultaneously sells one lot of the 24,700-strike Call option at a premium of Rs 130–150. This strategy limits both risk and reward, creating a defined range for outcomes. The break-even point is at 24,530, with a maximum potential loss of Rs 8,450 and a maximum profit of Rs 11,050.

TOP STOCK BETS
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
Buy at Rs 2,618, CMP Rs 2,620| Stop-loss Rs 2,550 | Target Rs 2,800-2,850

A breakout above Rs 2,430 signals a shift to a primary uptrend, with RSI strength confirming bullish momentum. Resistance lies at Rs 2,800–2,850; sustained strength could extend gains to Rs 3,000–3,050.

Polycab India
Buy at Rs 8,184, CMP Rs 8,188.50 | Stop-loss Rs 7,900 | Target Rs 8,600-8,900

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An uptrend supported by a rising trendline and a doublebottom near Rs 6,650 underpins strength. Resistance at Rs 8,700; a breakout could target Rs 9,000+. Maintain Rs 7,600 as a stop-loss; below this, risks a breakdown.

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AMD: $600 Bullseye (NASDAQ:AMD) | Seeking Alpha

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AMD: $600 Bullseye (NASDAQ:AMD) | Seeking Alpha

This article was written by

Stone Fox Capital is an RIA from Oklahoma. Mark Holder is a CPA with degrees in Accounting and Finance. He is also Series 65 licensed and has 30 years of investing experience, including 15 years as a portfolio manager. Mark leads the investing group Out Fox The Street where he shares stock picks and deep research to help readers uncover potential multibaggers while managing portfolio risk via diversification. Features include various model portfolios, stock picks with identifiable catalysts, daily updates, real-time alerts, and access to community chat and direct chat with Mark for questions. Learn more.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing in this article should be taken as a solicitation to purchase or sell securities. Before buying or selling any stock, you should do your own research and reach your own conclusion or consult a financial advisor. Investing includes risks, including loss of principal.

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Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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Modular Medical prices $3.4 million stock offering at $4.50/share

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Modular Medical prices $3.4 million stock offering at $4.50/share

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