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Femke Bol has overtaken Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone for the 400m hurdles world lead at the European Championships 2024 with a time of 52.49s. Bol raced faster than the American’s world-leading time of 52.70s, which she set at the Edwin Moses Legends Meet in May 2024.
Bol is the second fastest woman over 400m hurdles with a time of 51.45s she clocked at the 2023 London Diamond League. The 24-year-old has shared a track rivalry with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone since the two met at the 2020 Olympics. However, she hasn't been able to beat the world record holder yet.
The world champion finished third in the 400m hurdles at the Tokyo Olympics with a time of 52.03s. She was bettered by Dalilah Muhammed for silver in 51.58s while McLaughlin-Levrone clocked a world record timing of 51.46s for the gold.
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As the Paris Olympics 2024 comes closer, the rivalry is coming to the fore again. After Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone clocked a world-leading time of 52.70s in her season opener at the Edwin Moses Legends Meet, Femke Bol has now run a blistering 52.49s to win the gold medal at the European Championships 2024. Her time of 52.49s also stands as the European Championships record.
Bol defended her 400m hurdles title from the 2022 European Championships, where she also won the 400m flat and 4x400m relay gold medals. Earlier, the 24-year-old won bronze with the Dutch 4x400m mixed relay team and will now be looking to defend her 400m flat and 4x400m relay titles tomorrow.
Femke Bol is ‘super excited’ for Paris Olympics 2024
Femke Bol opened her 2024 outdoor season at the Stockholm Diamond League. She clocked 53.07s to win her first 400m hurdles race of the year, and while it wasn't at a fast pace, the 24-year-old was happy with her performance.
"I did the race kind of like I wanted to, so I'm happy," Bol told Olympics.com after her victory at Stockholm Diamond League.
With the Paris Olympics 2024 just around the corner, Bol's excitement is increasing day by day. The fastest European 400m hurdler claimed that she was aiming to be ready for the grand stage in Paris.
"I'm super excited about Paris. I try to not get it too much in my mind because I think it can be a bit of pressure and not make me enjoy it as much. So I just try to enjoy every race I do as we get closer. I want to be ready when I'm going there. It's something big and amazing. I can't wait to be there," Femke Bol added.
