With an ambition to become the greatest 800m runner in the world, Peter Bol's Tokyo Olympics experience moved him a giant stride forward toward that goal, sweeping up legions of fans across Australia and the globe as he ran.
Australia's 800-metre runner Peter Bol raced three times in Tokyo for two PBs, two Australian records, and an Olympic final. Peter became the first Australian in 53 years to qualify for the Men’s 800m Final on the track, finishing fourth in an exhilarating and inspirational race.
Born in Sudan, Peter and his family fled the civil war, spending four years in Egypt before arriving in Toowoomba at age 10—an experience he describes as indescribable and comparable only to qualifying for the Olympic Games.
Ambitious and passionate about helping others, Peter is a mentor, coach, and educator with a strong focus on the power of consistent actions. He deeply values exploring the concept of home—sharing the emotions and observations that come with his experiences as a Sudanese Australian.
Peter first wore the green and gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, stepping onto the world’s biggest stage in his first Olympic campaign. Then, in Tokyo 2021, he captured the hearts of a nation with his fearless run in the final. In 2024, he returned for his third Olympic Games, further cementing his legacy as one of Australia's greatest middle-distance runners.
In 2025, Peter made headlines once again by breaking and reclaiming the Australian 800m national record—a title he had previously held—delivering a blistering performance that reaffirmed his place among the world’s elite.
Along the way, he also claimed a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, adding another milestone to his remarkable career.
"I didn't know if I was going to win, but I knew one thing for certain—that the whole of Australia was watching, and that carried me on."
Never has a competitor who came fourth in an extraordinary Olympic final fired the imagination of so many people. But then, Peter Bol is no ordinary athlete; he is so much more, and Australia eagerly awaits the next chapter of his incredible journey.
There are no "overnight sensations." Dig deep into the history of anyone who appears to have shot to stardom, and you'll find a CV of hard work, tenacity, failure, success, setbacks, and relentless perseverance before all of these conspire to thrust them into the spotlight. This is Peter Bol’s story, and he could not hide from the glaring light of achievement over three unforgettable nights at the Tokyo Olympics.
Beyond the track, Peter is a brand ambassador for Porsche, Longines, and VOOST, aligning with high-end brands that reflect his commitment to excellence, precision, and performance.
A highly sought-after public speaker, Peter shares his insights with corporate audiences and schools, covering topics such as goal setting, overcoming adversity, teamwork, balance, and peak performance. His story is not just about running—it’s about resilience, belief, and inspiring the next generation.
TESTIMONIALS
Peter had the students and staff members completely engaged throughout his presentation. His stories are inspiring, and he connects so well to his audience. Usually when it comes to Q + A's, the students can be a bit shy. Not on this occasion! To see so many teenagers raising their hands, asking meaningful questions relating to goal setting, resilience, mental health, and sports psychology was awesome to witness. I'd highly recommend Peter to any school or corporate business seeking an exceptional public speaker.
- Kennedy Baptist College
Peter has a fantastic story to share along with a great personality and charisma that his audience is drawn towards. It doesn't matter what group he speaks to, he has a way of connecting with them. Everyone can learn something from his story and I would definitely recommend him as your next guest speaker.
- Victorian Institute of Sport
Peter was fantastic. Very engaging, super professional and humble, I think the whole room agreed.
- Worrell’s CBD
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