National treasure Peter Bol has run the much anticipated 800m final at the Tokyo Olympics, with Aussie’s sitting at the edge of their seats, nerves frayed and butts clench. Alas, Bol didn’t get win the gold he was hoping for – he won our love and pride instead.
It was a run for the ages – Peter Bol took the lead as the first Aussie runner to make it to the 800m final *53* years.
He started off really strong, leading for the first half of the race – but when it came to the final bend, the pressure was too much. He was over taken by Kenyan Kipkurui Korir, who won in 1.45.06 minutes. Bol finished a maddening 0.53 of a second outside of a bronze medal.
“I put myself in every chance, I think the only thing I regret is the last 100, tightening up a little bit. Other than that, we came here to win and that’s what I did. I tried to win it and came short, but we’re in the Olympic final and there’s more to come,” he told Channel 7.
“I’d be lying if I said I’m pretty happy right now. The goal was to win. So I still have to reflect on that. At the same time, I think today, I didn’t know if I was going to win but I knew one thing for certain, that the whole of Australia was watching. That carried me on. I loved that part about it.
“I’m grateful to Australia, I’m thankful to everyone in Australia, we’re human at the end of the day. We inspired the whole nation. That’s the goal.”
Bol’s sweet words in his post-run interview have Aussie’s tearing up because this isn’t just about his run – it’s about hope and representation, too. You’re right Bol, Australia was watching, and we’re all so bloody proud of you!!!!!
Peter Bol – bold in the race. And in that chat just now? That’s just the best of us isn’t? We’re all human, he says. The whole country is so freaking proud. What an impact he’s having. Brilliant.
— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_Meadows) August 4, 2021
Yep, we were all watching you Peter Bol and we are super proud 🥲 #Tokyo2020
— Andy Lee (@andytomlee) August 4, 2021
“The whole of Australia was watching. That carried me on.” Peter Bol. What a champion!!! So good. #OlympicGames
— Ellen Fanning:Journo (@ellenmfanning) August 4, 2021
Peter Bol, what a freakin’ Australian legend! 4th! And he’s only a baby!!! WHOOHOO! #Tokyo2020
— Van Badham ✊ (@vanbadham) August 4, 2021
So proud of @pbol800. All courage, spirit and heart Peter Bol. You did your family and your country proud tonight ❤️❤️❤️
— Kon Karapanagiotidis (@Kon__K) August 4, 2021
Is Peter Bol a legend or what!!! Omg what a race, had me screaming. So close!!! Gutsy effort 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 @AUSOlympicTeam @AthsAust
— Jess Fox OLY (@jessfoxcanoe) August 4, 2021
Peter Bol,
Take a bow. Bold race, forced into the pace setter. Held on so bloody long!! Brilliant 4th place. #Tokyo2020— Kurt Fearnley (@kurtfearnley) August 4, 2021
This is now a Peter Bol fan account. Fourth! Incredible effort. #Athletics
— Georgie Tunny (@georgie_tunny) August 4, 2021
What an athlete. What a role model. Bloody well done, Peter Bol!!
— Duska Sulicich (@DuskaSulicich) August 4, 2021
He’s totally spent, and then Peter Bol wins the quote of the Olympics from an Australian (shading Kaylee)
“To Australia I’m thankful, and to everyone in Australia because we’re just human at the end of the day. We inspired the whole nation and that’s the goal.”
You fkn legend.
— Adam Peacock (@adampeacock3) August 4, 2021
Peter Bol. What a race, what a star. Lifted us all.
— Mike Carlton (@MikeCarlton01) August 4, 2021
Peter Bol. What a ledge. Well run and so well spoken – pumped for Paris! #Tokyo2020 #olympics #athletics
— Dylan Alcott (@DylanAlcott) August 4, 2021
Peter Bol didn’t win a medal tonight, and maybe that’s sad, but he won the heart of a nation instead. And when he makes it to France in three years, we’ll all be there to cheer him on.
