OLYMPIAN Peter Bol found himself in a thrilling duel with 17-year-old Daniel Williams from Hyland Park at last week’s Adelaide Invitational World Continental Tour.

In his comeback race, Bol was stunned when Williams surged ahead with 300m to go in the 800m blue ribbon event.

The pair pulled clear from the field, with Bol narrowly reclaiming the lead to win in an exciting sprint finish.

Both athletes crossed the line in 1:46, with Williams setting a personal best and securing the number five spot on Australia’s U20 all-time list.

“Peter Bol had a ‘Who is that?’ reaction when pushed all the way to the finish line by Daniel,” Keith Williams said of his son’s performance.

“Veteran commentator Bruce McAvaney praised the youngster’s audacity in challenging the Olympic finalist.” Post-race, a clearly impressed Bol embraced Williams, expressing excitement for Australia’s middle-distance future.

Williams, coached by Andrew Rowlings, has been relentless in his training at E.J. Biffen Sports Fields, Nambucca Heads, training rain or shine and emerging as one of the future stars of Australian track and field.

Skipping the U20 ranks, he has dominated open competitions, winning five races this summer across Melbourne, Canberra, and New Zealand.

Only Bol has been able to best him.

The 17-year-old boasts an impressive resume as the reigning Oceania 800m and 1500m champion, U20 national 1500m titleholder, and was an Australian World U20 Championships representative in Peru.

Despite a rocky start to 2025, battling ‘Bali belly’ after a well-earned holiday, Williams has balanced lifeguarding, Year 12 studies, and top-tier performances.

Now, he eyes selection for the Sydney Track Classic on 15 March and Maurie Plant Meet on 29 March, with state and national titles on the horizon.

With a packed schedule ahead, Williams and Rowlings are focused on maintaining form and managing the growing pressures of being Australia’s young athlete to watch.

By Mick BIRTLES