The Monaco Diamond League on July 11, 2025, lit up under the Mediterranean lights as the world’s top hurdlers took center stage. In the women’s 400m hurdles, Olympic legend Dalilah Muhammad, 35 and still chasing greatness in her final season, stole hearts once again. But the big question lingered: could she catch the seemingly unstoppable Femke Bol? One thing was clear: Muhammad wasn’t just there to wave goodbye, she came to compete and how…

Dalilah stormed to a second-place finish, clocking a season’s best 52.58s, her fastest since the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and fifth-fastest ever in her storied career. She didn’t just run; she shattered her own world age 35-plus record of 52.91s, set earlier in Stockholm, and claimed a masters world record to boot. Trailing Bol’s blistering 51.95s meet record, Muhammad proved she’s still a force. But what did this race mean to her?

“I felt good today,” Muhammad said post-race, her voice carrying the grit of a champion. “Coming from the USA just a couple of days ago, I am definitely happy to run the season’s best.” Jet lag be damned, she was thrilled to hit her stride in Monaco, her first-ever race there. Yet, she’s a competitor who lives for the win. “I am coming to every race wanting to win,” she admitted. “Femke is such a strong competitor. I knew it was going to be a challenge.” How close did she get?

This time, Muhammad noted, “I was a little closer to her than the last time, so I am happy with it.” That’s progress, especially against Bol’s 28-race Diamond League unbeaten streak. But a hiccup at hurdle nine, taking the opposite leg, cost her. “It was not ideal, but I managed,” she reflected. “I just need to make some corrections to run faster.” That technical tweak could be key for her next race. What’s her plan moving forward?

As Muhammad savors her Monaco debut in her farewell season, she’s eyeing the World Championships in Tokyo. With a career boasting Olympic gold, silver, and a former world record (52.16s), she’s not done yet. Those corrections she mentioned? They might just push her closer to her personal best of 51.58s. Can she challenge Bol again and cap her legacy with one last podium? Meanwhile, Bol showered praises on Dalilah.

Femke Bol honors Dalilah Muhammad’s legacy before Monaco showdown

As the Monaco Diamond League loomed on July 11, 2025, the air buzzed with anticipation for the women’s 400m hurdles. For fans, it was more than a race; it was a clash of titans, with Femke Bol, the Dutch sensation, set to face her idol, Dalilah Muhammad. Bol’s pre-race words about Muhammad were pure gold, revealing a deep admiration. What makes Dalilah so special to her?

“I think she’s an amazing athlete,” Bol gushed, reflecting on 2019 when she first tackled hurdles. “She was so good and she’s such a great hurdler. I love her technique. I love the way she approaches her races.” That year, Bol, then a rookie, faced Muhammad in the World Championship semifinals, “completely starstruck.” Muhammad’s Olympic gold and world record (52.16s) set a standard Bol idolized. How does that awe hold up now?

Even as a world-beater herself, Bol admitted, “I’m always still a bit starstruck when I see her. She’s such a great athlete.” With Muhammad in top form at 35, Bol was thrilled to race her in Monaco, especially in Muhammad’s final season. “It’s a pity she will leave,” Bol said, “but I’m really happy I get to race her here.” Can Bol channel that admiration into another victory?