Femke Bol, the reigning world champion, etched her name in the history books on Sunday in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The 24-year-old Dutch athlete shattered the 51-second barrier in the 400m hurdles, becoming only the second woman ever to achieve this remarkable feat.
Bol clocked a stunning time of 50.95 seconds, obliterating her own European record of 51.45. This historic run comes just 12 days before the Olympic Games in Paris, where she is poised for an epic showdown with the reigning world record holder, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.
McLaughlin-Levrone, who returned to the hurdles after a two-year break, has also been displaying exceptional form. She set a new world record of 50.65 seconds at the US Olympic trials on June 30th, marking the second time she’s dipped under 51 seconds and the fifth time she’s broken the world record.
Bol, who triumphed at the European Championships in Rome in June, expressed her anticipation for the clash with McLaughlin-Levrone, who missed the 2023 world championships. “It’s great she’s there and it will always be exciting and always bring some nice nerves,” Bol said, acknowledging the intensity of the rivalry.
The first round of the women’s 400m hurdles in Paris is scheduled for August 4th. Bol eagerly awaits the competition, stating, “I hope it’s going to be a nice battle! I will try to be at my best form I can be and then we will see where it will bring us.”
This upcoming encounter promises to be a thrilling spectacle as two of the world’s most formidable hurdlers prepare to battle for Olympic glory.
