Bhubaneswar: Femke Bol, two-time world champion in the 400m hurdles, will switch her focus to the 800m starting in the 2026 season. She made the announcement via Instagram, calling the move “a big change, … uncertain and challenging,” while expressing excitement to begin this new chapter.
Her coach, Laurent Meuwly, backs the decision, believing that her stride, strength, and mindset could suit the two-lap race.
What She Leaves Behind
In the 400m hurdles, Bol has earned two Olympic bronze medals.
She is currently among the all-time greats in the event, with a personal best of 50.95 s, which is the European record and the second-fastest ever behind Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.
Bol has also been a reliable relay runner, helping the Netherlands to a gold in the 4×400m mixed relay at the Paris Olympics and contributing to silver in the women’s relay.
Welcome to the 800m
The move to 800m is being watched closely by her new rivals. Keely Hodgkinson, Britain’s Olympic 800m champion, responded to Bol’s announcement with: “Can’t wait to share the start line.”
Bol’s most recent recorded 800m time is 2:19.51, from her junior years.
Meanwhile, the Dutch national 800m record is 1:55.54, set by Ellen van Langen in 1992.
Bol is closing one chapter and opening another. The 400m hurdles shaped her into a world-class athlete. Now she’s set on testing herself over two laps. The road ahead will not be easy—but Bol is entering it with courage, ambition, and a belief in her team’s plan.
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