Femke Bol, fresh from a sensational 52.46-second season opener in the 400m hurdles at the Rabat Diamond League, heads to the Fanny Blankers-Koen Games (FBK Games) in Hengelo with momentum and confidence. The 25-year-old Dutch star, who has switched her starting leg this year to maximise her finish, calls the FBK Games a special competition.
“one of the most special competitions out there.”
In addition, Femke Bol plans to use her training camp in Morocco to sharpen her form before racing her speciality in front of a home crowd.
Moreover, Femke Bol skipped the indoor season, except for two gold-winning relay appearances, to focus on building a strong foundation.
“That was a good decision. I’m mentally refreshed and hungrier than ever,” she said.
Meanwhile, her main domestic rival, Cathelijn Peters, who took bronze at last year’s European Championships, will also be in the field.
The FBK Games, the only international top-level athletics meet in the Netherlands, promises a sold-out Fanny Blankers-Koen Stadium. Bol’s race is a highlight, but she’s not alone in the spotlight. Dutch stars like Nadine Visser in the 100m hurdles and Lieke Klaver in the 200m will also draw big cheers.
Why FBK Games is a Big Event in the Netherlands
The Fanny Blankers-Koen Games (FBK Games) stand as the Netherlands’ most prestigious international athletics meet, held every year in Hengelo. Organisers named the event after Fanny Blankers-Koen, the legendary Dutch sprinter and four-time Olympic gold medalist, to celebrate her trailblazing achievements in track and field.
Organisers launched the FBK Games to give Dutch athletes a world-class competition on home soil and to inspire young talent by bringing global stars to the Netherlands. They wanted to honour Dutch sporting heritage while motivating the next generation to chase greatness.
Since its inception, the event has grown into a vital fixture on the international athletics calendar and is now part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold. The meet’s importance lies in its ability to showcase elite performances, foster national pride, and provide a launchpad for future champions. Each year, the FBK Games bring together top athletes and enthusiastic fans, making Hengelo a true hub for world-class track and field action.
Moreover, fans eagerly anticipate how fast she can go on home soil. With the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold status, the FBK Games will showcase world-class performances, and Bol is determined to deliver another memorable run in Hengelo.
