Peter Bol’s story captured our hearts but represents so much more

It seems there was only one name and one race on everyone’s mind last night – Peter Bol in the 800m final. From fleeing Sudan with his family to representing Australia in a finals event that we haven’t been part of in 53 years – he truly represents this country at its best – a dynamic, diverse and multicultural nation.

Together with the whole of the country and his proud family and community I cheered him on – yes hoping for a medal win – but more so for his spirit and courage defining the best characteristics of how we would like to see ourselves as Australians.?

His refugee background does not define who he is as an Australian – but it is important for all of us to have role models and to see ourselves represented.

As South-Sudanese refugee advocate Apat Arok told ABC “To have someone that looks like you at an Olympic level, representing Australia, makes us feel really good about ourselves and where we might be able to head in the future. There are still people here who feel out of place, and to see the whole of Australia behind him is really encouraging.”

Indeed, sport has a significant place in bringing people together, sharing journeys and finding human connection – either as teammates or competitors, but first always as humans. Peter said it best himself after the race “We are just human at the end of the day. To inspire the whole nation – that was the goal.”

It has been so special to watch resettled refugees compete for their new home nations, alongside the Refugee Olympic Team. Tokyo 2020 is only the second Olympics to include the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, and this games has seen the team almost triple in size since its debut in Rio 2016. Our own Asif Sultani, a Hazara refugee from Afghanistan now settled in the Hunter, just missed out on placing in the team for Karate after receiving an IOC Refugee Scholarship.

As the number of forcibly displaced people continues to grow it is inspiring to see how the world is rallying behind these resilient and formidable athletes. Representation and inclusion on a global stage is essential to show we are #StrongerTogether.

We have another Australian athlete to get behind in the men’s basketball today – Duop Reath. The 25-year-old fled South Sudan with his parents when he was six, and has since resettled in Australia. The 6’11’ centre described as a gentle giant only recently joined the Boomers and has already made an impression on the team for his energy and enthusiasm. We’ll be watching and cheering on!