Femke Bol Is Chasing Her First Olympic Gold: Three Things To Know About Her

Over the past few years, Femke Bol has put the world on notice whenever she steps onto a track. Whether it’s world titles or national records, a historical feat is always a possibility with Bol.

Here are three things to know about the defending world champion over 400mH.

Femke Bol Won Her First World Title At 21-Years-Old

Before she was shaking up the professional scene, Bol was in a world of her own in Europe, breaking both the Dutch U20 and U23 records. At just 21-years-old, Bol won Bronze in Tokyo, running 52.03, which was the third-fastest in history at the time. 

Last summer, Bol won her first world title in the 400mH in Budapest, clocking 51.70 to take down Shamier Little and Rushell Clayton.

Femke Bol Has The Top Ten Fastest Times In European History

The Dutch sensation is lone woman in the entirety of the Eastern hemisphere to run under 52.30 in the 400mH, and she’s done it 10 times.

Just weeks ago, Bol went 50.95 in Switzerland to join Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone as the only two women under 51 seconds, registering in at No. 2 of all-time. That historic performance sits atop the European lists as well, followed by her next nine fastest performances.

She also has European short track records in both the 400m and 500m, topped by only her short track world record of 49.17.

Femke Bol Competed In Judo Before Turning To Track

While growing up in Amersfoort, Netherlands, Bol practiced judo prior to her introduction to track. 

Though it was just for a year, Bol took on the challenging Japanese sport, following a doctor’s recommendation to help teach her to properly fall. Bol herself admitted that her trial in the sport was less than ideal, possibly prompting her eventual switch to track. 

Once Bol found her niche, the rest was history.

When Are The Paris 2024 Olympic Games?

The Olympics begin on July 26 and end on August 11. The track and field events will begin on Aug. 1. 

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