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His first race this year will be at the Stawell Gift, on grass in a handicapper’s event over 1000m. It is about chasing races ahead of heading to nationals and then Europe.

Although his return to elite racing at the Budapest world championships last year was a disappointment, the season was not a total wipeout. He still managed to run two Olympic qualifying times and so now needs to finish in the top three at the national titles in Adelaide next month to make certain of his place on the team for Paris.

But placing at the nationals is not a formality, because of the form of runners including Jack Lunn and Peyton Craig.

“It will be a competitive nationals, probably my most competitive one,” said Bol, who was in Melbourne for the unveiling of two new digital timers at the popular Tan running track.

At his last Olympics, in Tokyo just three years ago after it was delayed a year due to COVID, he finished achingly close to a medal, placing fourth. He had already run two national records in the preliminary races to get to the final.

“I always say you gotta get to the final first before getting all those feelings [about winning a medal] because you’re not even guaranteed that final spot. But, man, the last thing I want is to come fourth again. So I’ll probably do this exactly same thing and then try when if I get to that final,” Bol said.

“I actually feel pretty strong physically and mentally. I’ve been in the gym probably about three times a week, building that strength, building my body back up. I usually come out pretty well off injuries because it gives you that forced rest.”

Bol recently had a hamstring problem that stopped him competing at other key domestic events. He now feels recovered and stronger.

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“I said to my coach, let’s just have a long off-season and that’s what exactly was. The hammy wouldn’t allow me to go quick, but it would still allow me to do the distance work, so I’d probably be pretty good around the Tan at the moment. But I’ve got to build that fast pace stuff, which is what the 800 is, it’s not a 1500 race. I’ve got time to get there,” he said.

Importantly, he also feels mentally stronger as he enters the climb towards the Olympics.

“I’ll definitely race in Europe. I don’t think I’ll be rusty. I’ll back myself. I think I’ll be fine. Come nationals, I’ll be able to prove that,” Bol said.

“Sport is so tough, nothing guarantees you anything, like in 2021 I had such a great Olympic campaign and I came back that same year, running the Adelaide Track Classic and I was throwing up just from nerves, so nothing guarantees you anything. But I feel like it will all work out.”

His mindset around this being his last year has also shifted.

“It’s definitely changed a bit. I just understand how special the sport is, and how much of a privilege it is. And I think the moment I’m not competitive enough, that’s the moment I’ll hang up my spikes. But at the moment I feel competitive, I feel strong. I feel fit. So I’m gonna keep going.”

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