“The stadium, it’s always amazing.” Femke Bol has often stood mesmerized in the stadium at Silesia. During a pre-meet press conference back in 2024, the 400m hurdler claimed, “I think in the world, it’s my favorite, or not, I also like it, but it’s my coach really like it.” And now, it’s finally clear why her coach, Laurent Meuwly, looks at Silesia with such love. 

Meuwly believes that the stadium in Silesia has the best track for the 400m hurdles. However, at the 2025 Wanda Diamond League, Silesia, pre-meet press conference, a reporter asked Bol if she knew why Meuwly likes the stadium. Is there a second reason for that? And Femke Bol shocked the entire world with her response. She revealed, “I think he likes the whisky here.”  

Needless to say, these words sent a shockwave through the mediapersons. Even the reporter exclaimed, “No, this was not what I was expecting at all. It’s not the true Laurent. No, no, no… It’s not about Silesia.”

But amidst all that chaos, the four-time Olympic medalist is only eyeing the gold medal at the women’s 400m hurdles at Silesia. And her chances of winning?

Bol is often considered the strongest rival for Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. And with McLaughlin-Levrone’s absence from the Diamond League, Silesia, all eyes are fixed on Bol as the probable winner of the race. After all, she’s also the current world record holder with a clocking time of 51.95 in the 400m hurdles race. 

Now, even though the athlete from Netherlands left the media personnel stunned at the pre-meet press conference with a crazy response about her coach, she has seldom missed a chance to praise Meuwly for his contribution to her success.

But do you know how Laurent Meuwly managed to turn Femke Bol into the champion that she is today? 

Femke Bol weighs in on Laurent Meuwly’s role in her success story

During a conversation with NOS Sport back in July 2024, Femke Bol had something interesting to say about her coach. “Laurent is very good at reading me. If I’m feeling a little less confident or insecure about something, he knows how to reach me with his communication. He thinks far ahead in detail and always has the answers to my questions. And sometimes it’s just a matter of pushing through.”

Bol is a creature of routine. She often puts challenging deadlines to prepare for her races. And needless to say, Meuwly obliges.

The world champion continued, “I’m someone who really depends on structure. Deviating from a plan I’ve drawn up beforehand is difficult for me. Laurent taught me that nine times out of ten, I can’t execute a plan exactly as I envision it. Sometimes you have to improvise a bit. That’s made me a lot calmer. And I’m getting a bit older, which helps, of course.”

Well, probably that’s why she will likely claim the gold at the Silesia meet this year. Plus, Bol and Meuwly are already fans of the Silesia track. And with a win, we can expect them to indulge in some celebratory whisky.

Now, as we bid farewell to you, why don’t you take to the comments and let us know what you think of Bol’s crazy revelation?