'It's a Shame' - Femke Bol Reacts to Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's Switch from 400m Hurdles Ahead of World Championships

Femke Bol saw her chances of reclaiming her world title in the 400m hurdles significantly increase this weekend at the Dutch Athletics Championships, despite not delivering a standout performance herself.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the world record holder in Femke Bol's signature event, is switching to the flat 400m.

The American won the 400m hurdles world championship in 2022 and her second Olympic gold in the event last summer. She also holds the six most recent world records in the 400m hurdles.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

However, Femke Bol did not celebrate Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's announcement. Femke Bol expressed her disbelief that she will not be running alongside her serial rival.

She revealed that track and field fans are perhaps excited about the news since Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone will be competing in the 400m flat against Marileidy Paulino, but she expressed a strong desire to compete against her.

"Disappointed is perhaps too strong a word. It's a shame," Femke Bol told Nos said after finishing second in the 200m sprint at the national championships in Hengelo.

"As a track and field fan, I think it's great that she's moving to the 400m. But as an athlete, I really enjoy competing against her, which hasn't happened often."

Femke Bol's head-to-head encounters with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone in individual events are few and far between.

They have met three times on the biggest stage, during the 2021 and 2024 Olympic finals and the 2022 World Championship final. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone dominated on all three occasions.

Meanwhile, Femke Bol has dominated the European circuit and the Diamond League. In 2023, the Amersfoort native won the world championship in the 400m hurdles in McLaughlin's absence due to injury.

“The idea had been brewing for a while, and leading up to the Prefontaine Classic (early July), we made the decision and shifted our focus,” said 25-year-old Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone after winning the 400m at the US Championships, which serves as the qualifying event for the World Championships.

“This was the right year to try something new, challenge myself in a different way, and see what I can achieve. It's new, exciting, and a tough challenge.

The 400m field is incredibly strong, and I have a lot of respect for them. I'll have to fully dedicate myself to compete against them.”

"It's always special to race against her. I really enjoy it, even though the chances are high that I'll finish second."

As always, Bol spoke respectfully about Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, an athlete she clearly admires. "She's the best ever in my event, so it's always remarkable."

At the FBK Stadium in Hengelo, Bol was beaten in the 200m by Lieke Klaver (22.82, two tenths ahead of Femke Bol).

Lieke Klaver, a specialist in the flat 400m, will now face a formidable opponent on the international stage.