In 2007, the year the iPhone was invented, two athletes were born who seem destined to create a legacy in sports: Lamine Yamal and Gout Gout. These athletes are part of a remarkable group of young talents. Yamal, a key player for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team, needs no introduction. Gout Gout could very well be one of the rising stars in the sport in the years to come.
The Australian Who Resembles Usain Bolt
At the end of 2024, as the Olympic season was underway, attention in the athletics world shifted to an Australian runner who had just turned 17. This young athlete, Gout Gout, had already made a name for himself since the age of 14. In December, he broke the 200-meter national record that had stood for 56 years, previously held by the legendary Peter Norman. Gout Gout ran the distance in 20.04 seconds, an extraordinary time for someone his age.
Born to Sudanese immigrant parents, Gout Gout’s journey began in a war-torn region of Sudan, and his family eventually moved to Queensland, Australia. His running style, particularly his stride, is often compared to Usain Bolt’s, with similar lengths of stride—42 inches for Gout Gout compared to Bolt’s 41. He has come very close to breaking the 10-second mark in the 100 meters, with a personal best of 10.04 seconds. His coach, Diane Sheppard, who helped him refine his technique from a very uncoordinated start, believes that Gout Gout has the potential to become one of the fastest sprinters in the future.
His manager, James Templeton, predicts that Gout Gout will continue to improve and will be a prominent figure in world athletics. “He’s only just starting. There is much more to come,” Templeton says.
The Teenage Record Breaker
In the world of competitive swimming, similar young prodigies have emerged. One of them is Summer McIntosh, a Canadian swimmer who at just 18 has already become a dominant figure. She has won multiple gold medals in the 200-meter butterfly, as well as in the 200 and 400 individual medley events. McIntosh had already made waves at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics when she finished fourth in the 400-meter freestyle event at only 14 years old.
As of 2023, McIntosh holds 11 gold medals from various Olympic and World Championship events, both in long-course and short-course competitions. That year, she made history by defeating the legendary Katie Ledecky in the 200-meter freestyle at the Pro Swim Series, marking Ledecky’s first defeat in that event in nine years. A month later, McIntosh set her first world records, both in the 400-meter freestyle and 400-meter individual medley, becoming the youngest swimmer ever to hold both records.
Despite being shorter than many of her competitors at 1.73 meters, McIntosh’s technique and dedication to her training have earned her numerous accolades, including nine junior world records in various swimming disciplines. Her improvements in her turns, once considered a weakness, have been particularly impressive.
Rising Stars from the Philippines
In 2024, Riane Malixi from the Philippines, who is still under 18, gained international attention after winning both the US Amateur and US Girls’ Championship, a feat that had only been accomplished once before in history. Her success led to her commitment to Duke University even before she started college, where she will begin in August 2025. Malixi’s performance in the US Amateur tournament, where she scored 14 birdies in 29 holes in the final, showcased her skill and potential.
Although she has not yet competed in major collegiate events, her impressive record has already earned her the third spot in the amateur world rankings. Her success in tournaments across 11 countries further proves her ability to compete at the highest level. Malixi’s powerful and orthodox swing has helped her rise quickly in the world of amateur golf.
New Talent in MotoGP
David Alonso, a Colombian motorcycle racer, made his mark in the Moto3 World Championship by winning 14 races in a season, seven of them consecutively. At just 18 years old, Alonso already has an impressive career, having won various Spanish and European championships. In 2024, he became the Moto3 World Champion.
His journey in racing began at the age of five, and he quickly progressed through the ranks under the guidance of team manager Jorge Martínez Aspar. Alonso’s maturity and sportsmanship, including his thoughtful support for his team members, have earned him praise from both fans and colleagues. Some experts believe he could be the next Marc Márquez, the Spanish MotoGP legend.
Cooper Flagg: A Basketball Prodigy
Cooper Flagg, who just turned 18, has been the subject of extensive media attention, much like the early careers of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Standing at 2.06 meters, Flagg combines a strong physique with an extraordinary work ethic and basketball skills. Playing for Duke University, he averages 19 points and 8 rebounds per game and is expected to be the first pick in the next NBA draft.
Flagg, who grew up in Newport, Maine, initially played high school basketball at the Academy Nokomis, leading the team to a state title in 2022. He then moved to Florida to join Monteverde Academy, where numerous future NBA players have trained. Flagg’s talent is so remarkable that the Dream Team invited him to train with the team in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, even before his first collegiate game.
Hezly Rivera: Gymnastics Hopeful
Hezly Rivera, a 16-year-old American gymnast, was one of the youngest athletes on the U.S. team at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Although she did not earn an individual medal, her role as a backup for Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee proved invaluable to the team’s success. Rivera, an expert in the balance beam and uneven bars, was called upon to step in if needed, but her support was not required as the team secured a gold medal.
Rivera, who trains at the renowned WOGA Gymnastics in Dallas, has already earned recognition as one of the most influential young Latinas in the U.S. Her goal is to inspire young Latina girls, encouraging them to believe in their potential. Experts predict that Rivera’s breakthrough will come at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, where she may become the next face of U.S. gymnastics.
Henry Bernet: A Tennis Star in the Making
Henry Bernet, a young tennis player from Basel, Switzerland, recently won the Junior Australian Open on his 18th birthday. Bernet, who trains at the same club as tennis legend Roger Federer, has been compared to the Swiss great due to their similar playing styles. Bernet’s impressive performance in Melbourne, where he only dropped one set on his way to the title, showcased his incredible talent, particularly with his powerful forehand.
Bernet’s early passion for tennis was sparked by his older brother Louis, and he has now followed in the footsteps of other Swiss tennis stars. As he continues to grow in his career, he will inevitably face comparisons to Federer, but his accomplishments already speak for themselves.
Soren Bruyere: A Rising Star in Cycling
Soren Bruyere, a 17-year-old French cyclist, has quickly gained attention in the world of competitive cycling. Specializing in cyclocross, Bruyere won the Junior World Cup in his first season in the category. He also achieved victories in France’s national competitions and is considered one of the top young cyclists in the country.
Bruyere’s consistency and ability to perform well in all types of races have made him a promising figure for the future. Although still early in his career, his potential in road cycling is still to be fully realized.
