Is Femke Bol’s Latest Announcement Good News For Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s LA Olympics Plans?

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone dethroned Maridno Paluino to become the new 400m World Champion, in the second fastest time ever recorded in the 400m: 47.78s. But before that, she was ruling the 400m hurdle, locked in stiff competition with the Netherlands’ Femke Bol never far behind. Although Bol was unable to surpass McLaughlin-Levrone in their 3 meetings, the reigning 400mH world champion is one of the best to do it from Europe. But fans who were hoping to see the two resume their rivalry in Los Angeles are in for disappointment, with Bol announcing an unexpected event change.
“BREAKING NEWS: With three years to go until the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, reigning 400m hurdles World champion 🇳🇱 Femke Bol has announced she’ll shift her focus to the 800 meters starting in 2026,” wrote Citius Mag on X, announcing the news that Bol has officially switched gears to the 800 flat ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics.
“The 400m hurdles has given me unforgettable memories and shaped me into the athlete I am today. But I am driven by the need to push my boundaries,” explained Bol of her decision. “The 800m is a completely new challenge — one that excites me because it will require fresh strengths, strategies, and resilience. My ambition is not just to compete but also to reach and be successful at the highest level.”
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