Gout Gout to start AFL grand final sprint featuring Olympic medallist Harry Garside

Australian sprint sensation Gout Gout will fire the starting pistol for the AFL grand final sprint while Olympic boxing medallist Harry Garside will take on some of the league’s fastest players.

The popular tradition will take place on the MCG at half-time of the premiership decider.

Just seven players will be selected to take part alongside Garside, a major shift from the usual heats featuring a player from each club.

Garside recently clocked 2:39:22 in the Sydney Marathon — after resuming his professional boxing career with a win and tackling Channel 7’s Dancing with the Stars earlier this year.

“I’m really excited to be part of the half-time sprint this year,” Garside said in an AFL statement.

“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.

“I can’t wait to be part of such an iconic moment.”

Gout, who will make his world championships debut in Tokyo on Wednesday night, is similarly hoping to cheer on Brisbane at the grand final.

“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!

“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!”

While he won’t be running this time, the in-demand Gout’s appearance follows his high-profile attempt to win the Stawell Gift alongside fellow sprint star Lachie Kennedy earlier this year.

The eyes of the world have been on Gout ever since he broke out in 2024, with the legendary Usain Bolt this week urging the Aussie talent not to expect too much too soon.

The good news is the remarkably composed 17-year-old Queensland schoolboy has given no indication that he can’t take it all in his stride.

Gout has every chance of charging into the 200m semi-finals — and becoming the first Australian to dip under the 20-second barrier — when he makes his senior international debut in Tokyo.

“Being the first Australian to do it is something I think about all the time,” Gout said in his only pre-race media conference.

“Being able to run under 20 seconds is a great achievement.

“When you get under 20 seconds you know that you can achieve more because running 19 seconds, you know you’re up there in the top 15 or 20 in the world.”