Peter Bol is speechless by the riveting scenes at the family home in Perth as he won silver in the 800m final at the Commonwealth Games.
The 28-year-old fulfilled his promise at the Tokyo Olympics to pick up his first major international medal in Birmingham on Sunday, dedicating the performance to his parents, family and country.
Watch the epic Bol family celebration in the video above
Stream Seven’s coverage of the Commonwealth Games 2022 for free on 7plus >>
Wyclife Kinyamal of Kenya took gold after a tactical race gave him enough energy to avert Bol’s attack over the last 100 meters.
“What an environment, what an atmosphere. So close! But I am second today,” Bol told Channel 7.
“I’m quite happy with that, to be honest. Strange racing weather and super slow but that’s the 800, super tactical.
“I thought ‘stay relaxed, stay relaxed, stay relaxed’, but he’s so strong, he just kept going. That’s racing, man. I raced as best I could and came up a little short. Still got a medal at the Commonwealth Games, man! Second, so that’s pretty good.
“There is a lot of pressure, there is a lot of noise. But that’s what we love. Every athlete knows what he’s running into. I’m quite happy to be the favorite and come second.”
Watch the epic finish in the video below
Epic finish when Peter Bol gets silver
EVERY EVENT: View the full Commonwealth Games schedule
MEDAL LANGUAGE: Every Gold, Silver and Bronze at Birmingham 2022
LATEST RESULTS: Detailed overview of every event at the Games
Perhaps the only people more excited were all to be found in the Bol family’s home.
Relatives began gathering eight hours before the 800m final, while his mother Hanan had “prepared a feast” before refusing to watch the race herself due to her nerves.
“I don’t watch the race because I get a stomachache,” my mother told Channel 7 ahead of the final.
However, Bol’s father and the rest of the family more than made up for his mother’s absence.
Watching the scenes on a monitor during his trackside interview, Bol was beside himself.
“Wow. Wow. Awesome!” he said.
“I love them. I miss them so much. I can’t wait to get back home and celebrate with them.
“We’re talking about this journey, and I think if you look at the timeline, there have been different people through different years.
“But a huge thank you to my family, especially my parents. I am so grateful to them. This is for them, this is for my family, this is for the country!”
Overlooked star bags come from behind bronze
Despite winning the national title and hitting the automatic qualifying time, Abbey Caldwell was controversially overlooked for the 1500m at last month’s world championships.
So finishing on the podium in Birmingham was sort of a two-fingered salute to the selectors, even if she chose not to rub it in.
The 21-year-old stormed home on the final straight, overtaking compatriot Linden Hall to claim third in 4:04.79.
Watch Caldwell’s stunning run in the video below
Aussie Caldwell takes home a beautiful bronze in the 1500m.
“Honestly, I don’t know where that came from,” Caldwell said.
“The 1500s are brutal and I just think I saw those girls in the front and I found that extra gear and to get out of the back, it meant so much to me.
“I felt it was there, but when you’re in that state, you don’t see the finish, you just go for it.
“…Things like (non-selection) light up at the start, but it’s part of the sport and you have to take it.
“It’s no shame for the other girls; whoever gets selected, all these girls are great athletes.”
Scotland’s Laura Muir won gold in 4:02.75.
– with AAP
Like Tokyo 2020 at Seven, there will be one destination to watch every epic achievement, every medal moment, every record attempt and every inspiring twist of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
7plus is the only place to watch up to 30 live and sports channels, see what’s up when, stay on top of the medal tally, create a watchlist to follow your favorite events and track highlights.
.
0 Comments