Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s rival, Femke Bol, announced her first races of the season, months after revealing that she would transition from her signature events in 2026. Bol and McLaughlin-Levrone have been the top two for a while, and also the only two women to go under 51 seconds in the 400m hurdles.
Bol was in contention at the 2025 World Championships, where she defended her 400m hurdles title and also earned silver in the mixed 4x400m and bronze in the women’s 4x400m relay.
Femke Bol Announces Her Upcoming Races of 2026
Bol has been unstoppable on the track, achieving podium finishes in every race she competes in. She opened the 2025 season with indoor relay races and began individually competing in the outdoor season. She earned multiple top podiums, set records at the Diamond League stops and the European Championships, and won her fifth Diamond League trophy before heading to the World Championships.
After Worlds exploits, the 25-year-old will move up to the 800m for the 2026, keeping the 400m aside for a while. In a recent Instagram update, the Dutch athlete revealed her upcoming race plans, starting with the 800m in Metz, France, on Feb. 8, 2026. She wrote:
“Time to test the waters. Excited to share my plans for the indoor season. 8 February 800m @meeting_metzmoselleathlelor_57. 19 February 600m @meeting_indoor_lievin.”
Bol previously shared that the 800 m had always been on her mind, and she gave it serious consideration after her success at the Paris Olympics. She said she wishes to achieve more in track and field now that the 400 m hurdles have seasoned her to take the next big step. On the other hand, McLaughlin announced her pregnancy and will stay off the track for a while.
READ MORE: Femke Bol Signals Skepticism Over World Athletics’ New Indoor 400m Final Format
The 25-year-old Olympic medalist once appeared in a New Balance commercial and shared that her childhood dream was simply to run as fast as possible, never imagining she would one day win an Olympic medal. She also shared an empowering message for her younger self, who once feared dreaming big and going all in with confidence, saying there is no harm in having big goals in life.
The hurdler balances an equally fulfilling personal life, having gotten engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Ben Broeders, who competes in pole vault. The couple often shares moments of their affection on social media and takes vacations in between their professional commitments.
