Ever heard of the name Willie Washington?
Well, after recent clips of Australian sprinter Gout Gout surfaced, we would like to cast your mind back to the mind-blowing talents of Washington.
The American still has the world age record for 100m at 6,7,8,9 and 200m at 6,7,8,9,10. He also currently holds the 400m age 9 record.
But according to information online, Washington has seemingly vanished despite his impressive sprinting as a kid.
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Having drawn early comparisons to Usain Bolt, the US star still clearly had some growing to do in terms of his physique.
Other reports suggest he has now transitioned into football and basketball around the time he started middle school.
The mystery remains, with Science of Sport detailing their findings on Washington's disappearance.
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"But Willie Washington, now that’s an interesting trajectory," wrote Ross Tucker back in 2019.
"Nine years ago, from 6 until 9, he was the guy who papers would’ve compared to Usain Bolt. He actually holds the current 7-year olds world record at 13.46s (though he was only 2 days shy of 8 when he ran it)."
He continued: "Washington turns 16 in August this year (2019). I wonder what he’s running now? If at all.
"I did a brief Google search, and found some results from 2014, when he was 10 years and 11 months old, and he ran 12.49."
One user on Reddit suggested his running style may have played a part in his deterioration but that is merely just hearsay.
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Without the true facts, we really don't know what happened to Washington.
On the other hand Gout is continuing to catch the attention and recently claimed the silver medal at the U20 World Championships.
The 16-year-old set a new personal best of 20.60 seconds during the 200m final in Lima, Peru.
One to watch for sure, and for Washington. Who knows if we will ever hear of him again...
Topics: Athletics
Matthew Holt