The air in Stockholm was electric. On June 15, 2025, the Stockholm Diamond League, the mid-season of the Wanda Diamond League calendar, became the latest proving ground for Femke Bol’s pursuit of the seemingly untouchable Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. As the stadium lights gleamed on the iconic red track, anticipation built for another chapter in the 400m hurdles narrative that continues to captivate the world. Bol, flanked by veterans like Dalilah Muhammad, stepped onto the track not just to win—but to prove that Sydney’s dominance could be challenged. But..

In a blur of motion and a surge of astonishing power, it was over. Femke Bol, the Dutch sensation, blazed across the finish line, her time a blistering 52.11 seconds. The crowd erupted as the scoreboard flashed the confirmation: a new meet record. Bol claimed the women’s 400m hurdles title with a season-best performance that left no doubt about her form. The indomitable Dalilah Muhammad fought hard, finishing in a strong 52.91s, while Panama’s Gianna Woodruff secured third place with a time of 53.99s. But in this victory, something was still missing.

As the cheers for her triumph subsided, a larger question loomed, casting a long shadow over the celebrations. The ultimate benchmark in the 400m hurdles belongs to the phenomenal Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Her jaw-dropping world record of 48.74s, set at the 2023 USATF Championships, remains a distant, almost mythical, target.

Bol’s impressive 52.11s in Stockholm, while a significant achievement, is still over three seconds shy of McLaughlin-Levrone’s mark. It’s a stark reminder of the incredible standard set by the American superstar. At 25, Bol is still on an upward trajectory, her potential seemingly limitless. But the question of when, or if, she can truly challenge McLaughlin-Levrone’s reign remains.

In a post-race reflection, Bol’s affection for the Swedish capital was evident. “This is one of my favourite stadiums, so to take the Stadium Record makes me very happy,” she shared, a smile gracing her lips. “I am not in my best shape yet, so to take the victory is especially good.”

In Stockholm, Bol’s strategy was key. “I was very focused on the middle section of the race today, and that went well as I pushed ahead at that stage,” she explained. Her tactical execution was flawless, giving her the edge over her seasoned competitor.

As the Diamond League season drew to the middle, Bol’s victory in Stockholm was a powerful statement of intent. She proved her mettle against one of her greatest rivals and demonstrated her capacity to perform under pressure. With her sights now firmly set on the ultimate prize, the athletics world watches with bated breath, eager to see what Femke Bol will unleash in the races to come. Meanwhile, this is not the only meet she set the record.

Another record.. just a week ago

A week before her stunning victory in Stockholm, Femke Bol gave her home crowd in Hengelo every reason to cheer. The atmosphere at the FBK Games on June 9, 2025, was simply electric, charged with the anticipation of seeing the Dutch star compete on home turf. In a display of pure dominance, Bol delivered a masterclass in the women’s 400m hurdles.

With the crowd’s roar fueling her every stride, Bol stormed to a new meet record, clocking an impressive 52.51 seconds. She left her rivals trailing in her wake, a testament to her exceptional form. While American Chase Jackson was celebrating a commanding victory in the shot put, the spotlight in Hengelo was firmly on Bol’s breathtaking performance.

Bol’s time of 52.51s not only secured her the win but also shattered her own meet record of 53.94s, which she had set in 2022. The joy of this achievement was palpable. “I’ve done it – I’ve got the meeting record,” Bol exclaimed, her face alight with a triumphant smile. “I really wanted to win here in front of the home crowd.”

Fresh off this commanding display, Bol set her sights on future races. The question on everyone’s lips was whether she could maintain her record-breaking momentum. Her performance in Hengelo was more than just a victory; it was a powerful statement of her readiness to take on the world’s best.