Femke Bol unveils the latest New Balance Fuel Cell shoes as she gears up for clash against Sydney Mclaughlin-Levrone

The reigning world champion Femke Bol recently unveiled the New Balance Fuel Cell shoes that she will be wearing to her upcoming events. Bol is a brand ambassador for New Balance, which is one of the world’s leading sports footwear and apparel manufacturers.

After Bobby Kersee, who is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s coach, confirmed that the American hurdler will be competing in the 400m hurdles to defend her title, the clash between McLaughlin and Bol is going to be one of the most anticipated at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Ahead of this exciting showdown in Paris, Bol took to her Instagram story to show a glimpse of her latest New Balance Fuel Cell shoes, stating:

“Helloooo 😍😍😍😍”

Femke Bol IG story

In 2024, Bol enjoyed success in the 400m short track (indoors) as she became the world indoor champion in the discipline by establishing a world record at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships, registering a time of 49.17s.

Bol then opened her campaign in the outdoor season at the 2024 Curaçao SprintFest in the 100m and 150m events, where she clocked times of 11.47s and 17.10s.

She then played a crucial role in helping the Dutch team win a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics in the 4x400m mixed relay event during the heats and earning the silver medal for the team later in the finals of the 2024 World Athletics Relays.

On the other hand, Sydney Mclaughlin began her 2024 Olympic season at the Occidental Invitational in the 200m and 100m hurdles, where she placed first in both finals with times of 22.38s and 12.71s. She will next race in the 200m at the 2024 Los Angeles Grand Prix and is yet to open her campaign in her signature event.

A look into Sydney Mclaughlin-Levrone and Femke Bol’s rivalry

Femke Bol (L), Sydney McLaughlin (C) and Dalilah Muhammad (R) during the medal ceremony for the Women's 400m Hurdles Final at the World Athletics Championships Oregon22. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

In an interview after breaking her own record during the 2024 World Indoor Championships, Femke Bol acknowledged that it has always been amazing to race against Sydney McLaughlin in an interview (via Athletics Weekly), stating (starting from 3:33):

“I love competing, I love to race and my body is letting me do this. So, I'm really happy about it. Everyone has their own way to do the best. I love to compete against the best. So, it's always amazing to race with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone because she is the best ever in hurdles.”

Both Sydney McLaughlin and Femke Bol faced one another in the 400 m hurdles during the 2022 World Athletics Championships and 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

The three-time Diamond League champion lost to McLaughlin in both races as she had to settle for silver medal in Oregon and bronze medal in Tokyo. McLaughlin won the gold medal in both events.