Peter Bol breaks his own 800m Australian Record at Paris Diamond League

Less than a year after famously breaking the Australian Record at the Tokyo Olympics last year, Peter Bol has asserted himself on the world stage at the Paris Diamond League.

The 28-year lowered his own Record, stopping the clock in 1:44.00, saving a tenth of a second of his previous mark of 1:44.11.

Bol waiting for the moment to strike, having sat in the back half of the field over the first lap, he made his move with 300 metres to go, running out win to find some clear track. Only local hero, Benjamin Robert of France, could hold off the charging Bol, in 1:43.75. The result was not without controversy, with the Robert disqualified, only to be reinstated after being accused of pushing through two athletes before crossing the finish line. 

“To be honest, I wanted to run 1:43 and give (my coach) Justin (Rinaldi) an early birthday present for tomorrow. I came a bit short but I’m stoked with the PB and the national record,” Bol said.

“My approach here was to stay calm no matter what and come home strong. With these Diamond League races, it’s rare that you get a clean run so the goal is always to stay calm even when things don’t go your way. We can definitely go 1:43.”

Bol’s season is far from over, as he looks to find the podium at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon next month followed by the Commonwealth Games. 

“My goal for both Championships is to medal. Keep my head up, keep ticking off sessions and competing strong against any field. I believe medals are within reach,” Bol explained.