Peter Bol's changing perspective on life, athletics, and giving back to the next generation

For Joseph Deng, life is made up of small steps. The Australian middle-distance running star welcomed his daughter, Reyna, with his partner, Matut Yany, six months ago.

As a three-time Olympian, Deng says the arrival of his daughter has given him a new perspective on life like never before. "It's very special... it's a beautiful experience where you become very focused and organized. Even though you get a lot less sleep, you can perform better," Deng said.

"I thought I was focused enough, but there's always room for improvement. Recovery is better now, even with less sleep. But the most precious thing is coming home and seeing your daughter and family. So I spend a lot of time at home now, feeling refreshed and with a new outlook on life and everything. It feels great."

About four years ago, at the Tokyo Olympics, Deng's name became a household name as Australians watched his races on television. Now, the 800m specialist says he is in the best mental state he has ever been in, preparing for this season's goals, which include a podium finish at the World Athletics Championships in Japan. But Deng's first focus is on maintaining a good state off the track.

After a difficult two years, plagued by injuries and ultimately cleared of charges by the World Anti-Doping Agency, Deng explained his mindset for the 2025 season. "I'm lucky to be where I am now, and mentally happy... I'm proud to say that I'm in a good place right now," Deng said. "I believe that happy athletes perform well, and I wouldn't be happy if I was away from my family. Family has always been one of my most important values, and now that I have my own family, it's very powerful."

Deng is learning quickly as a young father. The extension of family is a completely different experience, and he is able to connect this experience to his own upbringing, as his parents made many sacrifices to move across continents. "Your appreciation for your partner reaches its peak. You realize what they've been through and how important they are to you," Deng said. "And also your parents. You think, 'Wow, they've been doing this for so many years, and moving to different places.' It's a very positive experience, and I wish I had it sooner."

While an athlete's life can be very demanding, requiring international travel and time away from home, Deng plans to return to Australia between competitions rather than living abroad long-term. "If I don't perform well, then it's pointless. So, the key is to stay at home and find my place," he said. "She (Reyna) can watch some of my races. My partner will send me videos of her watching the races, and she seems to recognize me. It's really cool. But it's also scary, right? Because at the Olympics, I was very calm, but I could feel my parents were very nervous. I think as she gets older, she'll start to feel that, and I'll start to feel that when she starts competing and doing different sports."

Deng's passion for helping the good reputation of others in the track and field community led him to recently found the "Beyond Deng Foundation." The organization aims to provide the next generation of African and underrepresented communities with opportunities to develop in Australian athletics. "It's very beautiful, very touching," he said. "21 years ago I wasn't an Australian citizen... 14 years ago, a high school teacher gave me this amazing opportunity to pursue track and field." He hopes to inspire the next generation of talent to rise from the grassroots to the top of the sport.

By the time of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, age 31 may be a factor, but he is looking at becoming a mentor to younger athletes. "So for me, it goes beyond myself, beyond the sport. This is why we came all this way and moved here. To be able to wear the green and gold, to represent your country and culture, to represent so many people, it's very beautiful."

After a disappointing campaign at last year's Paris Olympics, finishing seventh in the 800m heats, Deng's long-term goal is to join the ranks of four-time Olympians at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. "Paris was very disappointing. I had to go home and reflect, then reassess and move on to this year," he said. "I just ran the fastest time I've ever run in March, which is very cool. My goal is to become a four-time Olympian and win a global medal."

Deng has one eye on the present and the other on the future, including a series of races across the country, including the National Championships in Perth next month. Deng's next small goal is to appear at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne this weekend. "I've always said that before you try to challenge the world, you have to be the best in your country, and I'm looking forward to doing that," said the former national record holder and national champion. A key part of his preparation for the event is "living in the moment," and the experienced runner will be appearing in this year's John Landy 1500m race, which is packed with high-level athletes. "Australian athletics is in a very special place in many ways," he said. "This is probably the best I've seen it in my time competing." Perhaps this year the stars are finally aligning for Deng, just as his name Joseph in Arabic means.