Is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's rival Femke Bol racing at the FBK Games 2024? Everything about the Dutch athlete's schedule

Netherlands' Femke Bol is set to be Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's biggest competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with the American looking to defend her 400m hurdles title.

Bol had settled for a bronze medal at Tokyo in 2020, while McLaughlin-Levrons stormed to her maiden gold in a world record time.

McLaughlin-Levrone has broken her record thrice since then, clocking 50.65s at the recently concluded US Olympic Trials. Meanwhile, Bol has also lowered her personal best to 51.45s. The Dutch athlete is now set to test her legs over the 400m flat for the first time this season.

Femke Bol will compete in the 400m flat for the first time in this outdoor season at the FBK Games (Fanny Blankers-Koen-Games). She will be lining up against Martina Weil, Sussane Gogl-Walli, Sharlene Mawdsley, Ama Pipi, Lisanne de White, Skadi Schier, and Cathelijn Peeters in Hengelo on July 7.

Although Bol will not compete in the event at Paris Olympics 2024 just like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, she aims to improve her speed with the 400m flat ahead of the Games.

“After the 200m during the national athletics championships the week before, I can work on my speed with this 400m as preparation for the Olympic Games and dot the i's,” Bol said (via World Athletics)

The 24-year-old is the indoor world record holder for the 400m flat and will be looking to overtake McLaughlin-Levrone’s outdoor world lead of 48.75s at the FBK Games. If Bol gets the record, it will certainly boost her confidence ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024.

Femke Bol beat Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s 400m hurdles world lead to defend her gold medal at the European Championships 2024

Femke Bol won gold in the 400m hurdles at the 2024 European Athletics Championships (IMAGE: GETTY)

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone opened her 400m hurdles season at the Edwin Moses Legends Meet, clocking a then-record speed of 52.70s. While Femke Bol had opened her outdoor season with a slower time earlier, she beat the American’s time just days after.

Bol clocked a blistering 52.49s to defend her 400m hurdles title at the 2024 European Championships. It also stood as the championship record. This was later overtaken again by McLaughin-Levrone, who clocked a world record time of 50.65s at the US Olympic Trials.

Bol, however, will fancy her chances going into the Paris Olympics. She secured gold in the 4x400m relay as well as a bronze medal in the mixed 4x400m relay competition at the 2024 European Championships.