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Commonwealth Games: Peter Bol claims silver medal in 800m final with gritty run

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Ben SmithThe West Australian
VideoEpic finish as Peter Bol gets silver

WA’s Peter Bol says he just needed 20 more metres to claim a historic gold - but was ecstatic with snaring silver in an 800m final for the ages.

Bol ran 1:47.66, finishing just 0.14 seconds off reigning champion Wycliffe Kinyamal, to finish second in the final in Birmingham early on Monday morning (WA time).

After qualifying quickest for the final and entering as favourite, Bol fought tooth and nail with Kinyamal, but was unable to haul in the Kenyan’s big lead on the home straight and was forced to settle for second.

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Bol on the move.
Camera IconBol on the move. Credit: DEAN LEWINS/AAPIMAGE

An emotional and ecstatic Bol paid tribute to his support network in the aftermath of the final and declared he was proud of his efforts, despite not being able to win gold.

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“I wanted the win, but starting with a medal, that’s what we wanted,” Bol said.

Bol celebrates.
Camera IconBol celebrates. Credit: DEAN LEWINS/AAPIMAGE

“There was a lot of pressure, a lot of anticipation.

“I think we lived up to it and that’s the first medal down.”

Peter Bol with the flag.
Camera IconPeter Bol with the flag. Credit: DEAN LEWINS/AAPIMAGE

After the frustration and heartache of missing out on a medal in Tokyo when he finished fourth in the Olympic final last year, Bol was finally rewarded for his herculean efforts on the track.

The West Australian started in lane five and got out to a quick start, finding himself jostling for lead with Kinyamal at the 200m mark and the pair continued their battle for the rest of the first lap, sharing the lead at the 400m mark.

Kinyamal and Bol continued their tussle on the back straight as they started to put some distance between themselves and the chasing pack.

Bol leading the pack.
Camera IconBol leading the pack. Credit: DEAN LEWINS/AAPIMAGE

With 200 to go, Kenyamal put on the afterburners and attempted to leave Bol trailing in his wake and although Bol stuck around and began to close the gap in the final 50m, he was unable to haul him in and eventually finished within touching distance of his rival.

In Bol’s childhood home in Thornlie, family and friends gathered to watch the race and jubilant scenes greeted the middle-distance runner’s podium finish.

Bol conceded he was a chance to win should the race have gone just a bit longer as he hunted down the winner.

“If we had maybe another 20 metres I could have won but we’re only running 800 metres, not 820,” Bol said.

“You look at the start list and there are no front runners out there.

“I knew it was going to be tactical and I knew I was going to have to come home strong and I think we did, so I’m happy with that.

“’I’ve been chasing medals for so long and after last year’s (Olympics) disappointment, after the worlds disappointment (where he was seventh in the final), being on the podium here - I can’t be disappointed with that.”

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