Dutch hurdler Femke Bol stunned fans with a blazing 52.46-second win in the 400m hurdles at the Rabat Diamond League on May 25. Marking her fastest season opener ever and setting a meet record. Despite this impressive performance, American coach Justin Gatlin publicly criticised Bol for skipping the 2025 World Indoor Championships. Fueling debate about her rivalry with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.
Bol, the reigning world and European champion, showed she is in top form by decisively defeating her competitors, including Jamaica’s Andrenette Knight, who finished second in 53.90 seconds. Bol’s time ranks just behind Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s world-leading 52.07 seconds set earlier this season. Signalling a fierce competition ahead.
Meanwhile, Justin Gatlin speculated on his podcast that Bol’s absence from the indoor season might be a strategic move to focus solely on outdoor events. “Is Bol dodging the indoors to focus on outdoor supremacy?” he asked, questioning whether she is avoiding head-to-head battles with McLaughlin-Levrone indoors.
Bol’s coach, Laurent Meuwly, defended her decision, citing the need for recovery after a demanding 2024. Bol’s recent performances, including a European record of 50.95 seconds in the 400m hurdles earlier this year, prove she remains a top contender.
As McLaughlin-Levrone prepares for the 2025 Grand Slam Track League, anticipation builds for their next epic showdown. Bol’s Rabat victory confirms she is ready to challenge the American star, setting the stage for one of the most exciting rivalries in track and field.
Fact Check
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Femke Bol have shared the podium on multiple major occasions but have never finished first and second together. For example, at the 2024 Paris Olympics, McLaughlin-Levrone won gold with a world record time of 50.37 seconds in the 400m hurdles. On the other hand, Bol took bronze in 52.15 seconds.
American Anna Cockrell claimed silver, interrupting a potential McLaughlin-Bol one-two finish. In previous championships, McLaughlin-Levrone consistently finished ahead of Bol, who has yet to beat her in a major final.
Moreover, their rivalry remains intense, with McLaughlin-Levrone holding the upper hand so far.
Fans now eagerly await their next clash, hoping to witness history as Bol and McLaughlin-Levrone push each other to new heights.
