Australian athletics star Peter Bol has opened up on his “tough and challenging year” as he thanked fans for their support following his controversial drugs ban.
Seven months after being provisionally suspended for testing positive to EPO and four weeks after the anti-doping investigation was dropped by Sport Integrity Australia, an emotional Bol took to social media as he spoke for the first time since being cleared of doping.
The Tokyo Olympics finalist recently returned to the track in the 800m at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, however his comeback ended badly after he crashed out in the opening round as he came fifth in his heat.
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“Just want to give a quick recap on the year and also on Budapest,” Bol said as he began his video on his Instagram post.
“It’s been a tough year, it’s been a challenging year, it’s been a massive year.
“First I want to say a massive congratulations to the team.
“I know how special it is to come to theses championships and performing to your best and being able to put everything together.
“The mental, the physical, to be able to hit PR’s (personal record), to be able to run national records, jump and also to be able to medal.
“Congratulations to everyone that not only who medalled and hit PR’s, best to everyone for performing to the best of their abilities.”
The 29-year-old thanked fans for their support and said it helped him “through the challenging times”.
“I want to say a massive thank you to the support around the country,” Bol continued.
“It’s been huge. It’s that support that kind of carries you through the challenging times.
“The support from my family has always been consistent, I’ve always been used to it and it’s always been there.
“To have extra support there from the public and also my management team, my coach, they have been awesome.”
Bol said his experience during the recent World Athletics Championships was difficult and he carried a “heavy load” into the event.
“My experience at the championships wasn’t the best,” Bol admitted.
“We’ve dealt with a lot this year and we went in there carrying a heavy load which as an athlete, every single one per cent matters and you can’t afford to do that at these championships.
“It was almost a massive relief crossing that (finish) line and I’m looking forward to going back home.”
Bol said he was looking forward to some time away from the track to “refresh and refocus” as he begins to look ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“I’m on my way back home to Perth and see family, friends and loved ones and kind of refresh and refocus which is what I need to be doing,” Bol said.
“But at the same time, it was also important for me to attend these championships to prepare for next year.
“We will be better for next year and I’m looking forward to it.
“Thanks for your patience and thanks everyone for the support.
“Looking forward to next year and it will be much better.”
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