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Femke Bol has overtaken Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone as the world leader in the 400-m hurdles event thanks to her gold medal-winning performance at the 2024 European Championships. Her performance has sent fans into a frenzy, as they are anticipating a fierce battle between the two athletes at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Bol and McLaughlin-Levrone had also squared off in the 400-m hurdles final at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. On that occasion, the American hurdler won her first gold medal in a world record time of 51.46s. The Dutch runner, on the other hand, finished with the bronze medal as she completed the race in 52.03s. While both of them have managed to clock faster times since then, McLaughlin-Levrone still leads Bol in personal best time.
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Bol will now be looking to secure the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. In her first step towards Olympic glory, she clocked 52.49s to overtake Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s world-leading time of 52.77s at the European Championships 2024.
Bol's performance has spread a lot of excitement in the track and field community, as she is the only runner who has a genuine chance of beating McLaughlin-Levrone at the Paris Olympics. A fan excited about the rivalry wrote:
"Omg Femke vs Sydney at the Olympics is about to be INSANE"
"Olympics might end up being one of the greatest race ever lol", another fan wrote.
"It’s going to be the 2 of them way out again in the Olympics", wrote yet another.
Several fans also began taking sides of their favorite runners.
"Paris is gonna be (lit). I have faith that Sydney will own this record again!!!!," a fan stated.
"Oh boy!!! Sydney about to go 51 at trials now!! Gon be a crazy summer leading up to Paris!!", another fan wrote.
"OH SHIT SYD WE COMING THIS YEAR", a Femke Bol supporter warned.
“I will see her there (Paris Olympics) “- Femke Bol on Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone
The chatter surrounding the rivalry between Femke Bol and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is gaining more traction with every passing day. What makes the battle highly anticipated is the fact that both athletes are in sensational form. The European champion Bol, though, thinks it is "no use" comparing her to McLaughlin-Levrone.
Speaking with reporters after the event, Bol claimed that the comparisons are pointless as they possess different styles of running. However, she did mention that she would 'see her’ at the upcoming Olympics.
“That is of no use at all. I have my own way of running, so does she, and I am following my own path to the Games. I will see her there and then we will see what comes of it", she replied when questioned about her rivalry with McLaughlin-Levrone. (via Dutch publication, NRC)
