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Femke Bol returns to winning ways as she sets new meet record in Lausanne in her first outing since losing Olympic title to the inevitable Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.
Netherlands’ Femke Bol returned to winning ways at the Lausanne Diamond League classic on Thursday as she edged out Jamaica’s Tia Clayton to win the 400 meters hurdles.
Bol’s triumph in Lausanne marked a strong comeback after a bronze finish in Paris, where she was outpaced by the dominant Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.
Bol, who has solidified her reputation as the premier hurdler in the 400m hurdles, was visibly elated after her victory. The win was a stark contrast to her recent disappointment in Paris, where McLaughlin-Levrone cruised to victory, leaving Bol to settle for third.
Despite the setback in Paris, Bol's consistency over the years speaks volumes about her dominance in the event. She has now secured her fourth consecutive win in the Lausanne meet, having claimed the title in 2021, 2022, 2023, and now 2024. Her times have steadily improved, with her clocking 53.05 seconds in 2021 and shaving it down to an impressive 52.76 in 2023. This year, she continued to impress with a winning time of 52.96 seconds.
The race saw America’s Shamia Little struggling at the back, finishing last with a time of 58.57 seconds. Meanwhile, Clayton’s compatriots, Janielle Russell and Andrenette Knight, took third and fourth places, respectively, adding to Jamaica's strong showing.
Clayton, reflecting on her performance, expressed satisfaction with her race. "The atmosphere in the stadium was great, and it’s a very nice venue," she said. "This was my first race since the Olympics, and I just wanted to see how my body feels. It felt really good, so I’m looking forward to the next race in a few days. My goal for next year is simple: Run fast."
Bol's victory in Lausanne reaffirms her place at the top of the 400m hurdles, with her consistent performances making her a formidable force in the discipline.
More to follow...
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