34 year-old Jeff Riseley dropped a 1:45.34 bomb in Soldano, Italy, overnight.
Riseley competed in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympic Games. Now he stands just 0.14 of a second away from his fourth Games; kudos to the big man from Victoria – taking 800m longevity to the next level.
Flash Results: ??
1:45.34 win in Italy for @jeff_riseley ?
Fastest time since 2016 pic.twitter.com/DD9BXCVfPa
— fast8trackclub (@fast8trackclub) June 2, 2021
Riseley has a PB of 1:44.48, set back in 2012, he also owns a 1500m PB of 3:32.93. The 4th fastest Australian 800m runner in history, Riseley has 100% silenced any critics, who whispered his age had caught up with him, and his best days were in the rearview mirror.
1.45.36 in Conegliano! I’ve been patiently waiting, hoping and wanting this feeling for so long. Words can’t describe it! Thank you so much to @jrinaldi800 for believing in me and continuing to push me. And my parents for supporting me through everything. More work to be done ?? pic.twitter.com/eJWAe4eVTb
— Jeff Riseley (@jeff_riseley) June 2, 2021
Fresh off the long plane trip from Australia, Riseley brushed off any fatigue and punched out his fastest time since 2016. He had the following to say on Instagram:
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Riseley joins Peter Bol, as the two Australians with a legit shot at Olympic selection. Bol posted a 1:45.23 at the Canberra Track Classic, but won the Australian champs. Bol was the dominant 800m runner of the Australian season. Riseley’s progession was steady, a man who was clearly working his way back, after a troublesome patch, including Achilles surgery. Both men are coached by Justin Rinaldi.
Good luck Jeff…
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