Femke Bol Shines Again: Breaks Indoor 400-Meter World Record for the Second Time

Dutch track star Femke Bol had an outstanding performance at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland on Saturday. She broke her own indoor 400-meter world record, continuing her successful year.

Bol led the race for most of the way and then sprinted ahead on the final straight, finishing with a time of 49.17 seconds. She finished almost a second faster than her fellow Dutch athlete Lieke Klaver, who took second place. Alexis Holmes from the USA came in third with a personal best time of 50.25 seconds.

Bol's time not only broke her own world record of 49.24 set just two weeks ago at the Dutch national championships but also surpassed the championship record of 50.06 set by Russia's Olesya Krasnomovets-Forsheva in 2006.

"I knew I had to run a really good race to win the gold. I knew I had to start strong, and once you start strong, you have to keep pushing because you'll tire out anyway," Bol shared after the race, as reported on the Olympics' official website.

“It’s amazing to also run a world record again. I was hoping to be in the 49 … my coaches thought I could do it but I really wanted the gold.”

Femke Bol finished almost a second ahead of her competitors.

Femke Bol finished almost a second ahead of her competitors.

Jane Barlow/Press Association/AP

With less than five months left until the Paris Olympics, this latest achievement solidifies Bol's position as one of the top athletes in track and field as the Games approach.

She excels in both hurdle and flat races, holding the title of world champion in the 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay. Not only did she break the indoor 400m world record last year, but she also boasts four out of the six fastest times in the event's history.

Achieving success in both the 400m and 400m hurdles at the 2022 European Championships is truly remarkable. Bol made history by becoming the first woman ever to accomplish this at a major championships.

After the race on Saturday, Bol expressed her excitement by saying, “This is great because I’ve not done hurdles for four weeks and it gives me confidence.” She also mentioned, “And to get this with Lieke, it’s so good for our sport and our team,” highlighting the positive impact of her achievement.

Editor's P/S:

Femke Bol's record-breaking performance in Glasgow showcases her exceptional talent and unwavering determination. Her ability to dominate both hurdle and flat races at the highest level is a testament to her versatility and athletic prowess. Bol's latest victory solidifies her status as a formidable contender for gold at the upcoming Paris Olympics.

Her humility and gratitude after the race reflect her genuine sportsmanship and appreciation for the support she receives from her team. Bol's success not only inspires other athletes but also serves as a reminder of the power of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence.