Sebastian Coe has urged athletics authorities and coaches to handle talented young athletes with patience and care, warning against pushing them into the professional spotlight too quickly.

Speaking ahead of the African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, the World Athletics president stressed that nurturing young talents properly is just as important as their performances on the track.

Coe made the remarks while discussing rising sprint sensation Gout Gout, who has become one of the most talked-about teenage athletes after clocking an impressive 19.6 seconds in the 200m.

“I always preface my remarks about any outstanding young athlete by saying that they need to be nurtured carefully, not forced too quickly, and to do things in advance of their mental and physical abilities,” Coe said.

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The former Olympic champion praised the teenager’s support system, highlighting the importance of experienced coaching and management in guiding a young athlete’s development.

“Gout Gout has a very, very good coach. I know her well. She has coached for many, many years in Australia. He has a very good manager in James Templeton, and that's important because the influence of good managers is vital,” he explained.

According to Coe, the athlete’s camp understands the need for gradual progress rather than immediate pressure for success at the highest level.

“Both he and the coach are very clear that he is going to go carefully through the ranks. Running 19.6 200m is not an easy task. It’s not just about potential; he’s already doing that, but it’s still a long journey for him,” he said.

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Meanwhile, watch highlights from the opening ceremony of the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championship