Paris, July 15: Femke Bol of the Netherlands made history by becoming only the second woman ever to run the 400m hurdles in under 51 seconds. The 24-year-old athlete achieved this milestone with a blistering time of 50.95 seconds at La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, setting a new European record and highlighting her readiness for the upcoming Olympic Games.
Bol, who finished third in the Tokyo Olympics behind world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, surpassed her own previous European record of 51.45 seconds with an impressive performance.
McLaughlin-Levrone, who recently set a new world record of 50.65 seconds at the US Olympic trials after returning from a two-year hiatus from hurdles, remains a formidable rival for Bol. The anticipation is high for a thrilling showdown between the two champions in the upcoming Olympics.
Reflecting on her achievement and looking ahead to the competition, Bol expressed excitement about the prospect of competing against McLaughlin-Levrone, emphasizing the competitive spirit and challenge it brings.
The women’s 400m hurdles heats are scheduled to begin in Paris on August 4, promising an electrifying start to the track events.