The track world felt a seismic shift when a US track titan, Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in the 400-meter hurdles, hinted at her retirement. At 35, after a storied career that redefined her event, she spoke with quiet resolve at a recent meet: “It’s gonna be it for this year. I think this will be it,” she said when asked how much longer she’d compete. “I haven’t really made an announcement or publicly said it, but yeah—I think I’m one and done.”

Those words landed like a bittersweet farewell, marking the end of an era for a hurdler who’s been a titan in the sport. From her 2016 Rio Olympic gold to her 2019 world record of 52.16 seconds, Dalilah Muhammad’s legacy is etched in history. But what makes her departure so poignant?

Enter Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the current queen of the 400-meter hurdles, who didn’t hesitate to honor her predecessor. “Muhammad is probably the most technical 400 hurdler I’ve ever seen—technically sound, amazing hurdler, understood the race,” McLaughlin-Levrone said. “Just seeing you break that world record after so long of it being there, it inspired all of us.” High praise from someone who’s now pushing the event to new heights, yet it underscores Muhammad’s influence. Her 2019 record, which shattered a 16-year-old mark, wasn’t just a number, it was a beacon for the next generation. How does that inspiration ripple further?

Now, Femke Bol, the Dutch phenom, has joined the chorus of admiration. “I love her technique, I love the way she approaches her races,” Bol said. “It’s really something I always looked up to. I remember racing her in the semifinals, completely starstruck, and to be honest, I’m always a bit starstruck when I see her, she’s just that great athlete.” Bol’s words carry weight, especially as she shared her joy at racing Muhammad in her final season: “It’s a pity she will leave, but of course, at one point it’s for all of us like this.” Muhammad’s grace, even in her last laps, leaves an indelible mark. What will her absence mean for the sport?

As Muhammad steps away, her technical mastery and competitive fire remain a blueprint for hurdlers worldwide. The track feels emptier without her, but her influence endures in every stride taken by those she inspired. Who will carry her torch forward? Meanwhile, Femke Bol talks about her return to Monaco.

Femke Bol’s return to the Diamond League after Covid

On the sidelines of the 2025 Diamond League in Monaco, Femke Bol’s energy was electric, her smile as bright as the Mediterranean sun. The Dutch star, a 400-meter hurdles sensation, was back at the meet that marked her Diamond League debut in 2020. “Yeah, it’s great to be back here,” Bol said. “The first time was 2020, my first ever Diamond League in COVID times, and now I get to see it completely differently five years later, so I think it’s really nice to see.” That debut, under the shadow of a pandemic, was a muted affair. Now, with the stands alive and the track gleaming, Bol’s excitement was palpable. What’s changed for her since that first race?

The hunger, for one. “It’s when I didn’t win, so of course it always brings some nice pressure and more hungriness, I would say, to the start line,” she shared. That loss in 2020, when she was still cutting her teeth on the global stage, lit a fire. Now, with an Olympic bronze and a world championship silver to her name, Bol’s approach is seasoned but no less fierce. How does that drive shape her mindset?

The vibe in Monaco only fueled her fire. “I’m just really excited,” she said. “It’s a great field I get to compete in, and I think the track looks great, the circumstances look great.” The stage is set for a showdown, and Bol’s ready to chase victory. Who’ll match her stride on this iconic track?