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Netherlands’ Bol takes gold in 400m hurdles
Femke Bol, the decorated two-time 400m hurdles world champion, has announced her intention to transition to the 800m event starting next year.
The Dutch athlete, 25, who successfully defended her world title in the 400m hurdles in Tokyo this September, also boasts two Olympic bronze medals in the same discipline.
Bol’s accolades extend to the world indoor championships, where she secured gold in the flat 400m. She is also a celebrated relay competitor, notably anchoring the Netherlands’ 4x400m team to a gold medal victory at Paris 2024.
In 2026, Bol will move up in distance, entering an event where Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson currently holds the Olympic title.
Bol shared her thoughts on the transition on Instagram:, external stating, “It’s a big change, it’s uncertain and challenging, but I’m ready to put in the work, surrounded by an amazing team and enjoy this new journey.”
Hodgkinson responded to the announcement with enthusiasm, commenting: “Can’t wait to share the start line.”
Bol and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone have been dominant figures in the women’s 400m hurdles in recent years.
Collectively, they hold the nine fastest times ever recorded in the event.
McLaughlin-Levrone of the United States secured Olympic gold ahead of Bol, who took third place, at both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. Bol, however, has consistently triumphed in the Diamond League, claiming the annual title for the past five years.
McLaughlin-Levrone has also recently transitioned to a new event, winning World Championship gold in the women’s 400m in Tokyo.