Australian sprint star Gout Gout has pulled out of the world under-20 championships, Australian Athletics said on Thursday, and he is set to miss the rest of the season with a hamstring tear.

"Australian Athletics sends its support to Gout Gout following his announcement today that a hamstring injury will prevent him from competing in the World Athletics U20 Championships in the USA in August," the federation said.

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Gout, 18, had chosen not to take part in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in order to focus on the under-20 championships in Eugene, Oregon.

The teenager reportedly tore his left hamstring while training in Brisbane and has decided not to compete again this year.

The federation added that while the news was disappointing, "it is important that he takes the time to rehabilitate, recover and return to the track to compete when he is ready".

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Gout ran 19.67sec in April to set a world under-20 record for 200 metres at the Australian championships and has been tipped to one day break Usain Bolt's senior world record over the distance of 19.19sec.

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