BOL BOUNCES BACK FOR PARIS

Western Australia’s middle-distance man, Peter Bol, is gearing up for a courageous comeback at the Paris Olympics after being selected to represent Australia in the 800m for the third time.

In 2021 Bol stopped the nation when he produced a sensational 1:44.13 in the 800m heats in Tokyo, breaking the national record set by training partner and friend Joseph Deng. The following day he sliced an additional 0.02 seconds off his record and became the first Olympian since Ralph Doubell to qualify for the 800m final.

With the eyes of over 3 million Australians glued to their TVs, Bol executed the best finish in a track event by an Australian Man at the Olympics since Darren Clarke in Seoul in 1988. In a race to be remembered, Bol narrowly missed the podium crossing the line in 1:45.92.

The path to Paris has been bumpy for Bol, with the former national record holder facing a serious hamstring injury earlier this year, forcing him to miss several domestic meets in the build-up to Paris.

"Due to an unfortunate injury, I have had to make the difficult decision to delay the start of my Australian season," Bol wrote on Instagram earlier this year.

After building back from injury, Bol returned to the track in Adelaide where he competed against other Australian 800m Olympian Peyton Craig and emerging talent Luke Boyes at the Australian National Championships.

In an incredible return to racing, Bol crossed the line in second place with a time equal to the Tokyo Olympic gold medal time of 1:45.06.

In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Bol said “I think I’m in my best shape. I can take anyone, and I can’t wait to give them my best later on this year. I’m pretty sure I will be in 1:43 shape this season, for sure.”

The Australian track competition has reached a new level of competition, with three young Aussie Men in hot pursuit of their Olympic dream.

Best friend of Bol’s, Joseph Deng will join in lining up for the 800m in Paris, also sharing the track with fellow Australian Peyton Craig.

Deng and Bol have been friends for the most part of their lives. This year the pair will not only share their house, their coach and their training regimen, but they will also share their Olympic dream.

Peter Bol will pull on the Green and Gold for the third time on the Olympic Stage when he steps onto the start line in Round 1 of the Men’s 800m event on Wednesday August 7^th at 5:55pm WST.

To follow Peter’s Olympic Journey and stay up to date with daily Olympic schedules, results and updates, follow the Athletics West Facebook and Instagram pages.

To watch all the athletes in action at the Paris Olympics, head to 9NOW.

For more information on how you can get involved in athletics, contact Athletics West on 08 6272 0480 or email us at admin@athleticswest.com.au.

By Imogen McDonald, Athletics West

Posted 25 July 2024

Additional reporting by The Sydney Morning Herald.

Photo Credit: Declan Carruthers