Peter Bol
Overview
Peter Bol is a three-time Olympian and Australia’s 800m record holder. He captured the nation’s attention at the Tokyo Olympics, where he became the first Australian in 53 years to reach the men’s 800m final, finishing fourth. Born in Sudan and raised in Australia, he speaks about resilience, goal-setting and the power of consistent effort.
Who is Peter Bol?
Peter Bol was born in Khartoum, Sudan. His family fled the civil war when he was young and lived in Egypt before moving to Australia, settling first in Toowoomba and then in Perth. He took up athletics at 16, after a teacher spotted his talent at a school carnival while he was focused on basketball. Within a few years he was national junior 800m champion.
He made his Olympic debut at Rio 2016. At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 he broke the Australian record twice, running 1:44.13 in his heat and 1:44.11 to win his semi-final. In the final he led for much of the race and finished fourth. He was the first Australian man to reach an Olympic 800m final since Ralph Doubell won gold in 1968.
In 2022 he became the first Australian to reach a World Championships 800m final, finishing seventh, and won silver at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. He competed at his third Olympics in Paris in 2024. In 2025 he reclaimed the Australian record, running 1:43.79 to win his fourth national title in Perth, then lowered it to 1:42.55 at the Monaco Diamond League. In 2026 he reached the 800m final at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Off the track, Peter mentors and speaks to corporate and school audiences about goal setting, overcoming adversity, teamwork and peak performance.
Career highlights
Three-time Olympian (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024)
Fourth in the 800m final at the Tokyo Olympics, the first Australian in the final in 53 years
Australian 800m record holder, 1:42.55 (Monaco, 2025)
Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Birmingham 2022
First Australian to reach a World Championships 800m final (2022)
Commonwealth Games 800m finalist, Glasgow 2026
Four-time Australian 800m champion
Key speaking themes
Resilience and overcoming adversity
Goal setting and the power of consistent action
Belief, mindset and peak performance
Teamwork and support networks
Identity, belonging and finding home
Ideal for
Corporate conferences and team offsites
Schools and youth events
Diversity and inclusion events
Health, wellbeing and resilience events
Sports and community events
Awards nights and gala dinners
Frequently asked questions
What does Peter Bol speak about?
Peter Bol speaks about resilience, goal setting, overcoming adversity, teamwork, mindset and peak performance.
What is Peter Bol best known for?
Peter Bol is best known for finishing fourth in the 800m final at the Tokyo Olympics, the first Australian to reach the final in 53 years.
What is Peter Bol’s 800m personal best?
Peter Bol’s personal best is 1:42.55, set at the Monaco Diamond League in 2025. It is the current Australian record.
How many Olympics has Peter Bol competed at?
Peter Bol is a three-time Olympian, having competed at Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
Does Peter Bol speak to schools?
Yes. Peter Bol speaks to both corporate and school audiences.
How do I book Peter Bol as a speaker?
Peter Bol is available to book through Essential Talent. Call 0508 825 368 or use the enquiry form on this page.