A new training regime has earned WA middle distance star Peter Bol his first win at the Leonora Golden Gift and bolstered his chances of being selected for the Rio Olympics.
Nagmeldin Peter Bol left his family in Perth and moved to a new coach in Melbourne six months ago. The 22-year-old became the first West Australian to win the prestigious $6000 Elite Mile in Leonora today, ahead of dual Olympian, Jeff Riseley.
Bol challenged Riseley, on the penultimate lap of the main street in Leonora and then kicked after the final turn, Riseley was unable to match the younger athletes’ speed. Bol crossed the line in 4:23:21.
“I knew I was in good shape this time coming around, so I if I could sit on the boys and could come through the bend first, I knew I could have it. At the same time, a credit to Riseley, we were pushing it pretty hard,” he said.
“I’ve been doing a different style of training, it’s a different ball game. I’ve made sacrifices to train, like moving away from my family in WA to train in Melbourne . . . I haven’t had as good of a season as I wanted to but it’s all coming along at the right time which is all that really matters.
Bol is chasing Olympic selection in the 800m, the qualifying time is 1:46:00 and his personal best is 1:46:5.
“I am very confident with my time, I don’t think my time is much of a consideration. It’s just looking out for Riseley . . . there are a lot of people going for the same event.”
Heading to Europe this week, Bol was very thankful for today’s $6000 prize money and gold nugget, saying he would give the nugget to his mother.
Three-time bridesmaid, Bridey Delaney (NSW) took out the women’s Elite Mile in 5:05:54 ahead of Abigail Rose and Melinda Witchard.
Full results are available online
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