'Back to work'– Femke Bol back to the grind as Dutch hurdling sensation readies for next challenge

'Back to work'– Femke Bol back to the grind as Dutch hurdling sensation readies for next challenge

Festus Chuma 19:53 - 02.11.2024

Dutch champion Femke Bol is back to training setting her sights on new goals after a highly successful 2024 season.

Olympics women’s 4 × 400 metres relay gold medalist Femke Bol has officially returned to training, gearing up for what she hopes will be another historic year in 2025.

The 24-year-old Dutch sensation has wasted no time after a short holiday, jumping right back into her rigorous training routine with the same determination that powered her through an exceptional 2024 season.

Bol recently shared a glimpse of her return to training on Instagram, posting a photo with Dutch teammate and fellow sprinting champion Liemarvin Bonevacia, the 2021 European Indoor Championships 400m champion.

The post, captioned "Back to work 🤩🏃‍♀️🌳," was taken in what looked like a peaceful, forested location, likely marking the start of her preseason preparations.

Fans and fellow athletes alike responded enthusiastically, showing support for her commitment to what could become yet another remarkable season.

The training restart follows a landmark year for Bol, who reached new heights across multiple events, from the indoor circuit to the outdoor global stage.

Her 2024 campaign began with a sensational indoor season, where she shattered the world indoor record in the 400m.

The achievement set the tone for the rest of her year, giving her the confidence to take on the world’s best at the Paris 2024 Olympics, her second Olympic Games.

During the Olympics, Bol competed in three events and walked away with three medals, a reflection of her versatility and relentless work ethic.

In a hard-fought 400-meter hurdles final, she earned a bronze medal, finishing behind her American rivals Sydney McLaughlin and Anna Cockrell.

Bol’s performance did not end there; she also clinched a coveted gold medal in the 4x400m mixed relay and a silver medal in the women’s 4x400m relay, cementing her status as one of the standout athletes in Paris.

Bol carried her momentum to Paris after the European Athletics Championships where she defended her titles with ease, maintaining her position as one of Europe’s premier track stars.

She then set her sights on the Diamond League, where her form remained impeccable, particularly in the 400m hurdles.

Notable victories in Lausanne and Silesia further underscored her dominance, setting up a thrilling Diamond League final in Brussels.

At the Brussels Diamond League, Bol delivered yet another masterclass in the 400m hurdles, ending her season with an undefeated record in this event.

She clocked in a winning time of 52.45 seconds, beating her nearest competitor, Olympic silver medalist Anna Cockrell, who finished in 53.71 seconds, while Jamaica’s Shiann Salmon took third with a time of 53.99 seconds.

Now as Bol begins her preparations for the 2025 season, her focus is set on maintaining her high performance while also seeking new records and titles.