For nearly five years, Femke Bol and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone have pushed the women’s 400m hurdles into uncharted territory, rewriting the record books with the only sub-51-second performances in history.
But when the World Athletics Championships kick off next month, the most anticipated rivalry in women’s track will be put on hold.
McLaughlin-Levrone is skipping the hurdles, and Bol admits she’s not thrilled about it.
“Maybe it’s a bit of a disappointment. It’s a shame,” Bol told Dutch outlet NOS after learning her American counterpart will contest the flat 400m instead.
McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning Olympic champion and world record holder, signaled her switch after a blistering victory at the USA Track & Field Championships on August 2, where she came within a whisker of breaking the U.S. 400m record.
Respect for a Rival
While the change boosts Bol’s chances of defending her world title, the Dutch star made it clear she would rather win against the very best.
“As a track and field enthusiast, I think it’s great she’s going to do the 400,” Bol said.
“But as an athlete, I’d love to run against her; that just hasn’t happened very often.”
Their rare head-to-head clashes have been unforgettable, and for Bol, often bittersweet. She has finished behind McLaughlin-Levrone at three major global championships: Tokyo 2020, the 2022 Worlds, and the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the American retained her title in world-record fashion.
“It’s always unique to compete against her,” Bol added.
“She’s the very best ever in the event I do, so it remains special.”
Different Paths to Glory
Bol captured gold in Budapest last year when McLaughlin-Levrone was sidelined by injury, and she was poised for another showdown in Tokyo. Instead, she will now headline the hurdles without her fiercest competitor, while also testing herself in the 200m.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s move to the flat 400m, meanwhile, sets up a fresh battle against the likes of two-time Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo and reigning Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino.
The World Championships run from September 13–21, but fans hoping for a Bol–McLaughlin-Levrone hurdles duel will have to wait, perhaps until the Olympics.
Despite her disappointment, Bol’s words about McLaughlin-Levrone carried genuine admiration.
“She’s the best to ever do it,” she said, praising her rival’s rare versatility, from the 100m hurdles to the flat sprints.
“I always love to see her race… it’s always a joy.”
