In the world of athletics, few rivalries capture the imagination quite like Femke Bol versus Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. As Bol prepares to face McLaughlin-Levrone at the upcoming Rabat leg of the Diamond League, the Dutch hurdler and sprinter reflects on a tumultuous yet transformative period that followed her bronze-medal performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Back in March 2025, Bol delivered a masterclass on home soil at the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn. Energizing the crowd with her powerful anchor legs, she led the Netherlands to gold in both the inaugural mixed 4x400m relay and the women’s 4x400m relay. It was a moment of triumph—but also a turning point.
Following the emotional highs and relentless intensity of the Olympic Games, Bol made the bold decision to take a step back from competition. In an interview with Flotrack, she candidly shared the internal struggles that led to her temporary pause. “I wanted to breathe for a moment,” she explained. “To step outside the bubble and remember that I have a beautiful life beyond sport, too.”
It wasn’t physical fatigue that prompted the break, but rather a need for mental clarity. “After the Olympics, I wanted a bit more time off mentally—away from really racing and always putting pressure on myself,” Bol said. The decision, she believes, was essential for her overall well-being and long-term performance.
A self-described perfectionist, Bol admits that her high expectations often bring added pressure. “When I get close to races, I want everything close to perfect, which is never possible, but I always try.” That relentless pursuit of perfection is part of what has made her one of the world’s most formidable athletes, but it also comes at a cost. For Bol, the ability to recognize when to reset may be one of her greatest strengths.
Instead of rushing back into the competitive circuit, Bol opted to focus on training. She embraced an intense phase of preparation, filled with lactic threshold workouts designed to build endurance and power. “I really enjoyed this big phase of training, not thinking too much about competing,” she said. Her emphasis was clear: 2025 would be about building toward something greater.
Notably, she chose to skip individual events during the indoor season, reserving her energy and focus for her primary discipline— the 400m hurdles. That strategic decision underlines her commitment to excellence and her understanding of the mental and physical demands required to face off against the likes of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.
Now, as Bol readies herself for her first Diamond League appearance of the year in Rabat, the excitement is palpable. Her upcoming clash with McLaughlin-Levrone promises to be one of the highlights of the season. The last time the two met in a major event, McLaughlin-Levrone dominated with an astounding 50.68 seconds in the 400m hurdles, while Bol earned a hard-fought bronze with a 53.29.
But if the past few months have shown us anything, it’s that Bol is not just physically prepared—she’s mentally renewed. With the World Championships in Tokyo looming on the horizon, this race in Rabat is more than a rematch. It’s a statement.
Can Femke Bol close the gap and challenge McLaughlin-Levrone’s dominance? Only time will tell. One thing is certain: she’s ready to fight, and the world will be watching.