Peter Bol lifts lid on special Gout Gout prediction amid Usain Bolt comparisons

Yahoo

2 days ago

Peter Bol has told Yahoo Sport Australia he is keen to join an elusive club and compete in his fourth Olympics at LA 2028 having also revealed the sky is the limit for 17-year-old track teammate Gout Gout who could eclipse Usain Bolt's feats. Bol and Gout were once again making headlines in the Diamond League Monaco meet earlier this month with the 800m Aussie champion breaking his own national record with a time of 1:42.55.
Bol finished fourth in the race with winner Emmanuel Wanyonyi recording the fastest-time of the year. However, Bol proved he is only getting faster with the 31-year-old translating his form in Australia to overseas competition.
And his much younger teammate, and recent roommate, Gout was also breaking records. The 17-year-old phenom fell short of cracking the 20 second barrier in the 200m having run at a disadvantage against a strong headwind during his debut win at the Diamond League. While Gout opted to run in the U-23 men's division, he still left a lasting impression having blitzed his opponents and won his race in 20.10 seconds.
Gout was fortunate to have been paired with Bol as a roommate during his time in Monaco with the 800m champion acting as the veteran in the team. And Bol admitted it's hard to offer too much advice to a young star who is tracking alongside Olympic legend Bolt at the same age.
Although Bol, who became a household name in Australia after his feat at the Tokyo Olympics, said it was embracing the nerves that can take him to a new level. "It was his first Diamond League circuit. He is an impressive kid. We get to spend a bit of time [together]. I was thinking about what advice can I give someone who is so impressive at such a young age and achieving so much," Bol told Yahoo Sport Australia at the I.V. Liquid 'The Funnest Fun Run event'.
"The only thing I could think of is to be yourself and be prepared to be more nervous than ever. It happens. You've got to go through it. And he is going to do it well. He has got everyone around him. His coach is amazing. His management team, he is impressive as a kid."
Peter Bol claims Gout has no limit in 200m
Ever since Gout burst onto the athletics scene as a teenager in Australia, the Queensland-born runner has been compared to the greatest sprinter of all-time. As a 16-year-old, Gout bettered Bolt's 200m record at the same age.
Gout then joined Bolt as one of the six fastest under-20 athletes of all-time with his 19.98 time last year. Although the time didn't count as a national record because it was wind-assisted. And Bol has witnessed Gout's ability on the track and claimed there is no limit to what he can achieve going forward. Bol also predicted Gout has time on his hands and his best could come at the Brisbane 2032.
"I don't think he has a limit. It is definitely doable and it is realistic for a guy with his potential and for a guy with his expert team. Everything is there for him. He is hard working. I could bet on it. I think he will reach amazing heights," Bold said on his track teammate.
"And the beauty of that is he might reach the top of his heights in Brisbane. Where he is from...if he can medal at home, that is super special."
Peter Bol eyes fourth Olympics in LA
Bout's recent national record in Monaco was the 28th fastest run of all-time. The 31-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down having closed the gaps on the likes of Wanyonyi. And Bol said beating a number of the best runners in the world has given him confidence heading into Tokyo this September.
"The whole year I've been in a good place. I've been pretty confident and running really well in Australia. So it's always great to head overseas and keep that consistency going. Winning is important, it's what we are required to do at a championship. At Monaco we had all the finalists from last year on the start line. So it was great to beat a few of them," he said.
"Because I've always believed I am one of the top guys in the world. So believing it is one thing, then doing it is a whole different level. So it gives you a lot of confidence heading into the World Championships in Tokyo. Last time I was in Tokyo at the Olympics I came fourth, so my goal is to done one step better and that is on the podium."
And Bol has set a goal of featuring in the LA Olympics, which would mark his fourth games representing Australia. "I came to this country as a 10-year-old and to say I have the ability to go for a fourth Olympic Games is pretty special," he added.
Bol was taking part in the Liquid I.V. 'The Funnest Fun Run', which reminds people to stay hydrated and exercise. "I do run professionally, so when I get the chance to do something fun like this...it's a bit different, less pressure...it's fun engaging with the community."