Peter Bol went into the Olympic 800m final with two goals – to win, and to inspire the nation. He fell just short of the first but delivered beautifully on the second.
The Sudanese-born former refugee, our first 800m finalist since Ralph Doubell won in 1968, had a message of unity for Australia after a brave charge to the front of a high class field. He was caught at the 700m mark and eventually passed down the straight to finish a fighting fourth.
“What a fabulous run, he had to do all the work, had to be brave and he did everything right there,” said Tamsyn Manou on the Channel Seven commentary.
Bruce McAvaney added: “We’re all so proud of him, you have to do one thing at this level – give yourself a chance and Peter Bol did that tonight.”
He had to start out wide and knew the favourites would be happy with a slow pace early so took the initiative and burst into the lead in the first 200m.
He stayed out there, wedged between Kenyans Emmanuel Korir (gold) and Ferguson Rotich (silver) before the winner went past him on the curve. Rotich was the favourite but unable to stay with his countryman while Poland’s Patryk Dobek also came past Bol 75m from home to take the bronze out of the Australian’s grasp.
Bol clocked 1:45.92, behind Korir’s 1:45.06 and well behind the Ocean record of 1:44.11 he produced to win the semi-final.
“I put myself in with every chance,” Bol said. “The only thing I regret is the last 100m tightening up a bit.
“I came here to win. I tried to win it.
“I’d be lying if I said I’m pretty happy right now. The goal was to win so I have to reflect on that.”
But more than the track and field, Bol’s story has swept up his adopted homeland.
“I knew one thing for certain, the whole of Australia was watching and that carried me on. I loved that part about it,” he said.
He was asked about inspiring young Sudanese Australians, but he shrugged that off to say instead: “I’m grateful to Australia and thankful to everyone in Australia. We are just human at the end of the day.
“To inspire the whole nation – that was the goal.”
Jack Russell
Roar Guru
"Do you inspire Sudanese Australians" was a terrible question to ask and Bol was rightfully miffed. He's an Aussie and should be just as inspirational to any kid in the country as Rohan Browning or Linden Hall is.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
mentally he is a star already.
Hutcho
Roar Rookie
Some really impressive performances by Australian track athletes so far and this guy was the highlight so far. Incredible he hung on for 4th as he was absolutely gassed down the straight.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
Bol and Paddy Mills have been great with their uniting words.
Andy F
Roar Rookie
On the whole I have really enjoyed channel 7 commentary and punditry but the Bol interview was telling to me. He was asked about being an inspiration to the Sudanese community and he answered that he wanted to inspire all Australians. Without being rude to the interviewer he demonstrated that he wouldn’t be categorised and separated from all other Australians. Though proud of his heritage he was Australian first (“after all we’re all human”). Frankly it’s an insult to him. He emigrated to Australia. He is Australian first. Would a successful refugee from Vietnam have been Asked the same question in the 90’s? Or a European in the 60’s? Peter Bol is a breath of fresh air. I cheered for him and felt proud that Australia had become the home to him and his loving family. Well done Mr and Mrs Bol you raised “a good ‘un”, who today represents everything that is good about Australia.