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6 days ago
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Peter Bol lifts lid on special Gout Gout prediction amid Usain Bolt comparisons
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 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 a bit different, less fun engaging with the community."
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
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'Pretty hard': Pat Cummins floats major change to WTC final as Aussies eye history
Pat Cummins isn't only out to make history as the first captain to win two World Test Championships - he's hoping to use victory as a bargaining chip to bring the concept to Australia. The Aussies go into this week's final against South Africa as hot favourites, seeking to defend the title they won against India at The Oval two years ago. It's the first time the WTC has been held at Lord's and no decision has been made on where the 2027 edition will be staged. World cricket's cramped and complicated scheduling – up against myriad competing forces – and the vagaries of the WTC qualification process limits venue and timeslot flexibility. It's why England in June has been chosen for all three finals to date. Cummins understands the logistical challenges but would like to explore the opportunity of the defending champion or top-ranked team hosting the decider in the future. "I don't mind having it here (at Lord's). If you have to have it in one venue, this is the perfect venue to have it every time," he told Yahoo Sport Australia. "If not – and I know, logistically, it's probably pretty hard to move around - maybe the previous winner or top team gets to host the next one. "It's pretty tricky nowadays trying to find a two-week gap in everyone's calendar, but if we don't have it here (at Lord's) then we can look at the previous winner's home or top team." The ICC is unlikely to tamper with the competition, preferring to start each cycle fresh and afford two countries the chance to compete in the final. But the governing body may consider moving the final in 2027, with the powerful Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) already signalling its intention to bid for the match. India (twice), Australia (twice), South Africa and New Zealand are the four nations to have qualified for a final in the WTC's short history, with England hosting all three deciders. RELATED: Cricket world stunned as rival joins Glenn Maxwell in immediate exit Mitchell Starc's sad career call after difficult decision with wife Australia has the chance to become the first team to claim back-to-back crowns after India took out the inaugural title in 2021. On the eve of this year's final, Usman Khawaja spoke of his love for Lord's ahead of what is likely to be his last match on England soil. The veteran open doesn't expect any lingering hostility from the infamous 2023 Ashes Test, which turned ugly after Alex Carey's contentious stumping of Jonny Bairstow. He said: "We've always had pretty good support here. "Either way, whether we get booed or cheered we're going out there to do a job of trying to win the World Test Championship. It'd be nice to lift up that mace at the end of the day three, four or five." The ICC World Test Championship final (June 11-15) is on Prime Video and available to all members in Australia at no additional cost to their membership. Coverage starts 7.30pm (AEST). Pat Cummins is a Prime Video ambassador.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
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'Not going to': Wests Tigers fans make call on how they'll treat Lachie Galvin
The head of a popular Wests Tigers fan group has told Yahoo Sport Australia that supporters are set to embrace Lachie Galvin on his return to the NRL, despite a tumultuous fortnight in which the young superstar told the club he wanted out. It comes off the back of a plea from Tigers CEO Shane Richardson for supporters to treat Galvin like "your own son" when he runs onto Leichhardt Oval for the sellout clash against Cronulla on Sunday. Galvin polarised the supporter base by rejecting the club's offer of a lucrative contract extension that would have kept in Tigers colours for the next five years. The over-riding emotion was anger that he would walk out on the club that gave him a start, delivering rookie coach Benji Marshall a huge slap in the face as he attempts to rebuild the joint venture after years of failure. Richardson attempted to calm tensions this week, claiming Galvin would not be a target of hate. "I'm not sure people are jumping up and down. There were 500 people clapping when he ran on the field (in Monday's NSW Cup game)," he told The Daily Telegraph. "Lachlan Galvin is a great person. He's a junior, he's come through the club, he's going to be with us for the next 18 months. Just treat him the way you would treat your own son." It's a message long-time Balmain and Wests Tigers fan David Craine believes the club's army of supporters will heed. Craine heads up the popular 'Wests Tigers Will Never Die' Facebook page, which has 43,000 members, and rarely misses a game. "Obviously there are still fans who are not happy with what went down and they may vent their feelings on Sunday," he told Yahoo Sport Australia. "But I think the vast majority just want to see the team winning and will put that ahead of any gripe they may have with Galvin. "Wests Tigers fans have been through a lot in recent times and just crave a competitive team and there's no doubt we are more competitive with him in the side. We've got a passionate fan base who get behind the team through thick and thin and we're not going to turn on players. I don't speak for every fan but I think the response towards Galvin will be mostly positive." RELATED: NRL accused of 'losing the plot' after Bulldogs player's escape Stephen Crichton exposed by genius move from Broncos figures After a bright start to the season, the Tigers have fallen away to lose three of their last four games. A win over the in-form Sharks would breathe new life into their campaign and give fans hope the season is not about to deteriorate.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
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'Pretty excited': Manly legend happy for Cherry-Evans to jump ship to NRL rivals
Manly legend Anthony Watmough has told Yahoo Sport Australia why fans needn't worry about the potential departure of champion halfback Daly Cherry-Evans. There are three strong reasons Manly fans should not fret about life after DCE, and their names are Joey Walsh, Callum Dowell and Onitoni Large. They are the next-Gen playmakers ready to fill the huge void left by Cherry-Evans when he finally departs Brookvale. The veteran halfback has indicated he may play on in 2026 but is undecided whether that will be at Manly or elsewhere. Either way, champion former Manly backrower Watmough has urged fans not to panic about a future without the record-breaking No.7. He is confident in the club's playmaker succession plan, with teenagers Walsh, Dowell and Large all progressing nicely. Five-eighth Dowell and halfback Walsh gave us a glimpse into that future last Friday night, combining superbly to help the Watmough-coached Jersey Flegg (under-21) team beat a big, physical Warriors side in front of a hostile Auckland crowd. Rugby union convert Walsh finished with three tries inside 21 minutes, earning himself a personal highlights reel which is gaining high rotation on social media platforms. Watmough told Yahoo Sport Australia: "Losing someone like 'Cherry' is always going to hurt a club because he's a quality player. But what the club's done well with recruitment is they're fool-proofing for the future to make sure that fall is a little bit softer. "These three young guys have time on their side and have a lot to learn before reaching that (NRL) level, but I think they are going to do really well in the future. I'm pretty excited about what the next few years will look like after Cherry finishes up." Of the three young playmakers, Walsh would appear to have his nose in front after training with the NRL squad over the summer. "To not play league for four years and come out against that strong Warriors team on the weekend and score a hat-trick and get the win will do wonders for his game," Watmough said. "He's a very smart footballer for a young man and a quality person. Obviously being up with the first grade squad for the pre-season has really helped his progress. With Callum and Large there as well, I think we are in a really, really strong position (for halves)." RELATED: Staggering new claim about Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler rumours Broncos identify big problem with Reece Walsh after NRL shocker Manly CEO Tony Mestrov declined to speculate on Cherry-Evans' future, other than to confirm talks were ongoing and he was confident of the right outcome for club and player.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
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Coach's telling move around Sam Konstas furore after 'ban' for teenage prodigy
NSW cricket coach Greg Shipperd admits he's had discussions with Sam Konstas about reining in his ultra-aggressive batting style, in the wake of recent scrutiny around the teenage cricket sensation. NSW team management told Yahoo Sport Australia this week that a temporary ban had been imposed on Konstas conducting media appearances, following a summer of headlines around the 19-year-old prodigy. Konstas' management team – headed by Shane Watson's wife Lee - are clearly mindful about all the headlines around the youngster and want him to be able to just focus on cricket. Konstas shot to stardom in an unforgettable Test debut for Australia on Boxing Day last year, where his daring first innings half century and willingness to take on the world's best bowler Jasprit Bumrah helped turn the five-Test series against India in Australia's favour. Since his starring role in Australia's 3-1 series win, Konstas has been dropped from the Test side for the Sri Lanka series after selectors opted to promote Travis Head to opener. He's also come under fire for trying to employ the same ultra-aggressive approach for NSW in Sheffield Shield - most notably against Scott Boland and Victoria last month when he was bowled trying to slog-sweep his Test teammate in the third over. The nature of Konstas' dismissal sparked serious concerns about whether the teenager had the right temperament to be a Test opener and left many questioning whether he would regain his spot at opener for June's World Test Championship final against South Africa. Konstas responded by not playing an attacking shot in his first 30 balls in the second innings of that match, before making a 107-ball 50 as NSW held on for a draw in Perth last week. That approach was in stark contrast to the eye-catching array of reverse ramp shots for Australia and NSW that have shone the spotlight squarely on Konstas. Former Test captains Ricky Ponting, Steve Waugh and Mark Taylor have all had their say on the rookie's unorthodox approach to batting and have urged him to put away the audacious shot-making and focus on building an innings. RELATED: Khawaja's mystery absence explained as fans stunned by withdrawal Cricket fans all say same thing after Ellyse Perry dream shattered Veteran NSW coach Shipperd says those are the very conversations he's been having with Konstas after admitting his questionable approach against Boland was not a tactic they'd discussed. "I'm not sure he planned that (aggressive approach to Boland), I think it just unfolded in that particular moment," Shipperd said about the 19-year-old. "With discussions and reconsideration of what a batting plan looks like, he's made some adjustments. "That means to me he's listening and he's learning, and that's very important for him at this stage of his career. He's still working the game out. I'd be very surprised if the Australian selectors weren't considering him strongly for that opening position (for the WTC final). The NSW coach admits he's been in regular dialogue with Australia counterpart Andrew McDonald and national selectors about Konstas's development. And the Blues mentor suggested it was a delicate balancing act trying to encourage the teen sensation to trust his instincts and play his natural game, while also demonstrating the necessary technique and temperament that makes a successful Test batter. "Quite clearly we can see that there are times when that method has been successful for him," the NSW coach said. "But as a general theme we're encouraging him as most of the most experienced pundits around are calling for, for a more consistent approach. "Finding the right time in the innings and also considering what the team needs at that particular moment. We're encouraged that he's learning each game and he's considering all of these issues as each innings unfolds for him." Konstas faces his next major test in the Sheffield Shield against Tasmania on the weekend, in what could be his final audition before the WTC final. With one round to play in the Shield, bonus points are likely to determine which team out of Queensland, NSW, Western Australia or Victoria qualifies for the final against South Australia. If NSW beat Tasmania and leapfrog Queensland into second, Steve Smith is a chance to play in the final but if the Blues miss out and Konstas does not secure an English county deal, it will be his final match in red-ball cricket before June's WTC showdown at Lord's. with AAP
