Trust yourself a little bit more, it's not easy but we will get there.
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.
Talking Points
Peak Performance
From his success as a junior champion, to the work needed to reach two Olympic Games, Peter has much to say on high performance.Peak Performance
There are a selection of key ingredients, which involve mental and physical strength, to perform optimally and win.
This recipe can be tied to a corporate, schooling or team environment.
Leadership
Good leadership breeds good results both on and off the track. Peter has worked with schools, sporting groups and corporate teams to identify what makes an inspiring leader that helps their peers shine.
Leadership
Diversity & Inclusion
Close to his heart, Peter is a proud Australian working to improve the diversity and inclusion of this country. Fleeing Civil War in Sudan to make it as an Australian Olympian, there have been many lessons learnt along his journey to help others better understand the experience and perspectives of minority groups in Australia. Better yet, Peter can talk about the benefits of diverse teams for optimal performance.
Diversity & Inclusion
Video
Aussie Olympian Peter Bol wants to be the fastest runner in the world | One Plus One | ABC News
When runner Peter Bol entered Tokyo's Olympic stadium in 2021 for the 800m final, he became the first Australian in more than five decades to race for the gold medal in the event. The Olympian joins Paralympian Kurt Fearnley in conversation about being competitive and dealing with pressure on the world stage.Peter Bol: The inspiring journey from Sudan to Perth to the Worlds biggest sporting stage.
Originally born in Sudan, Peter Bol migrated to Australia as a refugee in 2004. Since then Peter has called Australia home and represented Australia with great pride at the 2016 Rio Olympics, IAAF Athletics World Championships in 2017 and 2019. Peter is the current Australian National Champion over 800m and represented Australia in his second Olympics in the 2021 Tokyo Games.Peter Bol - 800m & 3 Free Haircuts | The Imperfects
You may know Peter Bol as the 800m runner, who came fourth in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and second in the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Or, if you’re Hugh, you may have hundreds of photos of Peter training. Wherever you are on the Peter-obsession-meter, we think you’re going to love this episode. Our chat with Peter starts in Sudan, where Peter and his family moved as a unit, through Egypt, before settling in Australia. They were chasing safety and opportunity, two values that continue to ground Peter through all of his sporting success. In 2023, Peter was on the most amazing upward trajectory, he'd just become the WA Young Australian of the year and things were looking good for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Then he was completely derailed with a false-positive drug test. Hugh, Ryan, and Josh talk to Peter about how he remained consciously grateful and resilient throughout the entire saga and was able to instil within himself such fundamental lessons around positivity, justice and mindset. Peter, we (Hugh) will see you on the track soon.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, ... keep reading Kennedy Baptist College
We were privileged to have Peter as guest speaker at our end of year celebration function. Peter captivated our audience with his inspirational story and words of wisdom. His sense of humour and valuable life lessons motivated all in the room to use his 4 tools to reach one's goals. We look forward to having you speak to us again!
Peter Bol has been involved with the Victorian Institute of Sport's (VIS) Community Programs from 2016 to 2020 and during that period has been one of the most popular speakers and VIS facility tour guides. Peter has a fantastic story to share along with a great personality and charisma that his audience is drawn towards. He has a way of relating to all the groups he has worked with here at the VIS, from primary school students, secondary students to international university students or corporations. It doesn't matter what group he speaks to, he has a way of connecting with them. Since joining the VIS Community Programs in 2016, he has grown in confidence and competence, to the stage where he was able to host the VIS TV sessions at our Awards of Excellence. Coming to Australia as a refugee from South Sudan, Peter demonstrates resilience and overcoming adversity. Everyone can learn something from his story and I would definitely recommend him as your next guest speaker.
Honestly Peter was awesome. He was so good. Peter is just so human, had to work hard and nothing was handed to him. We got all the right messages. Thank you so much.
Peter was the most engaging, generous, respectful and humble young man I have ever met. He made us all feel like he knew us and more importantly wanted to be part of our community. We are very grateful for his contribution to our Harmony Day. Peter showed us the true meaning of inclusion and harmony.
