Australia’s love affair with the two-lap showdown is set to continue in the Harbour City, as Olympians Peter Bol, Peyton Craig and the rising stars of Australian athletics lead a stacked Men’s 800m field at the Sydney Track Classic on March 15.
Bol (VIC, Justin Rinaldi), the second-fastest Australian in history, is determined to flex his strength in 2025 after his long-awaited return to the domestic athletics circuit – the Chemist Warehouse Summer Series.
A proven performer and with a win under his belt this season at the Adelaide Invitational, Bol remains the benchmark over the distance but the next generation of half milers are set to ensure the three-time Olympian won’t have it all his own way at Sydney Olympic Park.
At just 20-years-old Peyton Craig (QLD, Brendon Mallyon and Craig Mottram)is on a steep trajectory, having reached the Olympic semi-finals and won World Under 20 Championships silver, as well as cementing himself as the third fastest Australian of all-time with a 1:44.11 performance.
Adding to the intrigue in Sydney is Luke Boyes (NSW, Ben St Lawrence) who took down both Bol and Craig at the Australian Athletics Championships last year, proving he belongs at the top of the domestic scene. Having missed out on the Paris Olympic qualifier by 0.03-seconds in that very race, Boyes will bring hunger to the 800m bout.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Daniel Williams (NSW, Andrew Rowlings) poses as the latest threat. After rounding out 2024 at the World Athletics Under 20 Championships, the young gun has been putting in the hard yards at home in Coffs Harbour – a town with no athletics track – and is already proving his worth this season.
In Adelaide, Bol stamped his authority on the event with a vintage performance but was challenged by the teenager who hit the lead with 200m to go. Bol’s class prevailed in 1:46.40, and in settling for second-place, Williams was rewarded with a 1:46.80 personal best.
“At first, I was like ‘who is that?’ Then I was like, ‘stay calm, stay calm, we can find out who he is at the end of the race’,” Bol said at the Adelaide Invitational.
“Even at the end I thought, what a run from such a young kid! He’s so brave. It’s exciting to have this competition in Australia for sure.”
Full of confidence after making his presence known, Williams said:
“I’m looking forward to getting in another quality, high-profile race. I’m even more excited to do it against the big three from last season. I remember sitting in the stands in Adelaide watching them come in one, two and three respectively at Nationals,” Williams said.
“I was really happy with my race in Adelaide. I executed my race plan, and Pete’s class just shone through in that home straight. I’m keen to go at it again with a couple more names thrown in the mix. It’s going to be a great race, but as always, my goal is to get the best out of myself.”
Equally exciting for fans will be the Women’s 800m bout, as Olympic semi-finalists Abbey Caldwell (VIC, Gavin Burren) and Claudia Hollingsworth (VIC, Craig Mottram) face off, with the field bolstered by fellow Olympian and Bendere Oboya (VIC, Craig Mottram) and World Championships representative Carley Thomas (VIC, Craig Mottram).
At the first meet of the Chemist Warehouse Summer Series, Caldwell put on a masterclass in the 800m, winning over a second clear of her nearest rival, but has not yet sized up all her competition with 20-year-old Hollingsworth yet to open her season.
“I’ve done a lot of speed work over the last 12 months, and it’s starting to pay off more than ever, so I’m glad I won (in Adelaide), but I feel the pressure for sure!” Caldwell said after her last win.
The Sydney Track Classic returns to Sydney Olympic Park on March 15. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
By Sascha Ryner, Australian Athletics
Posted: 5/3/2025
