Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s absence from recent track events is proving costly, as her rivals continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the 400m. While McLaughlin-Levrone has been a dominant force, her temporary step back from the track has allowed others to seize the moment.
Among them, Femke Bol has emerged as a standout, her recent performance at the European Team Championships serving as a stark reminder of the fierce competition awaiting McLaughlin-Levrone upon her return.
Well, after Marileidy Paulino and Salwa Eid Naser, another star, Femke Bol, has made a remarkable statement at the European Team Championships, running a season best of 49.48 seconds. This time not only overshadows McLaughlin-Levrone’s 49.69 seconds set at the Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar, FL, on May 4, 2025, but also positions Bol as a formidable contender in the race for supremacy. The Dutch athlete’s ability to clock such an impressive time in a high-stakes environment underscores her readiness to challenge the best in the world.
Femke Bol runs a 49.48 400m SB at the European Team Championships pic.twitter.com/TXqBDQKEpq
— Travis Miller (@travismillerx13) June 27, 2025
Bol’s achievement at the European Team Championships highlights her form and determination, especially considering the competitive landscape. Her 49.48 seconds is a significant improvement over her previous bests, reflecting her relentless pursuit of excellence. This performance is particularly noteworthy given the context of the ongoing rivalry between Bol and McLaughlin-Levrone, a narrative that has captivated the athletics world. Bol’s recent success adds another chapter to this story, raising questions about who will dominate the upcoming major championships.
In 400m hurdles, at 50.95 seconds, the 25-year-old stands as one of only two women to ever break the 51-second barrier, a feat she shares solely with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. McLaughlin-Levrone set the current world record of 50.37 at last year’s Olympic Games in the Stade de France.
As the athletics season progresses, the question remains: can McLaughlin-Levrone reclaim her position at the top, or will Bol’s momentum carry her to new heights? The answer to this question will likely unfold in the coming months, as both athletes prepare for the challenges ahead. For now, Bol’s stunning run has shifted the dynamics, setting the stage for an intense battle that fans and analysts alike will be watching closely.
Femke Bol’s respect for Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone
Femke Bol‘s journey through the 2025 season is marked by a series of “small goals,” each step a testament to her ambition and respect for her rivals, particularly Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Bol has openly expressed her admiration for McLaughlin-Levrone, who is gearing up for her second world individual title in Tokyo after missing the Budapest Championships. “I always love to see her race and I think it’s so cool to see her also doing the 100m hurdles and the 100m – and she’s killing it when she’s doing this,” Bol shared, her words dripping with genuine appreciation.
Paris 2024 Olympics – Athletics – 4 x 400m Relay Mixed Final – Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France – August 03, 2024. Femke Bol of Netherlands celebrates as she crosses the line to win gold. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
Bol’s respect for McLaughlin-Levrone extends beyond their shared events. “It’s amazing to see someone who is so diverse on the track, who’s a great athlete in 400m hurdles but also giving it a shot in 100 hurdles or 100m – and it’s always a joy to watch her race. She’s the best to ever do it,” she added, highlighting McLaughlin-Levrone’s versatility and dominance. This mutual respect, however, is set against a backdrop where their paths rarely cross this season.
Despite the anticipation, there’s no chance of watching these two titans go head-to-head before the World Championships. McLaughlin-Levrone has only confirmed her participation in the 400m at the Prefontaine Classic before the U.S. Trials, while Bol’s schedule includes the 400m flat at the European Team Championships 1st Division in Madrid and the 400m hurdles at the Diamond League in Monaco. As the season unfolds, one can’t help but wonder: will their separate journeys converge at the right moment, or will the World Championships be their only stage?
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