Commonwealth Games silver medallist Peter Bol and Geraldton netball champ Emma Cosh in town to inspire youth

The sport-mad youth of Geraldton were treated to some up close and personal time with a pair of WA athletic stars last week — Olympian and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Peter Bol and Geraldton netball champion Emma Cosh. Bol dropped in on Thursday at a local training session for junior athletes, hoping to inspire the next generation of Mid West talent. Fresh off his second-placed finish in the 800m final at the Birmingham games, Bol’s latest visit to Geraldton comes just eight months after his three-day trip last December. The 28-year-old athlete, who was in town to speak at Nagle Catholic College on Friday morning, said he contacted local coach Jacko Whitby. “I rang up Jacko, said I’m in town and I’d love to come see them again because we had a good connection last year,” he said. Acknowledging the lack of access regional athletes have to stars such as himself, Bol said he was happy to help when he could and take time out of his busy training schedule. “I came back today with a medal from the Commonwealth Games, it’s great for the kids and for the sport,” he said. As for what advice he would give to young athletes looking to follow in his footsteps, Bol said the key was just to “have fun with it”. “As crazy as it sounds, have fun with it, because it does get a bit tough sometimes but if you do enjoy it truly, then you kind of find the way to keep going and then number two is you just got to keep running.” Bol said he “loved” Geraldton, with local cafes a particular highlight as well as the e-scooters on the foreshore. “It’s been fun. It’s just been nice having people here say hello and embracing you at the same time. So I’ll definitely be back,” he said. Meanwhile, West Coast Fever premiership star Cosh visited her old primary school on Friday afternoon, in what was her first trip to Geraldton in five years. The 27-year-old said she wanted to get back during the off-season to see her family, head out to her former school and catch the Geraldton Netball Association grand finals. She presented the medals to the winning team on Friday night. Cosh received a warm reception from the students at Mount Tarcoola Primary School, where she signed posters and posed for photos alongside the premiership trophy. Cosh signed a one-year deal with the Fever in July following their 70-59 victory over the Melbourne Vixens in the grand final. She said she hoped to be a role model for Geraldton kids looking to follow their sporting dreams. “It’s amazing to feel the support and love from a country town,” she said.