Dream 800m debut for Femke Bol, sets new Dutch Record in Metz

Former hurdling queen Femke Bol had a dream 800m debut by clocking a new Dutch record at the 18th edition of the Athlélor meet in Metz, France.

The highly anticipated race saw the reigning world champion in the 400m hurdles, win comfortably in 1:59.07, thus setting a new national record and becoming the first Dutch woman to break the two-minute barrier.

During the race, Bol appeared hesitant to follow the pacemaker, Anna Gryc, who led the field through the first 400m in 56.66 seconds. In the final stretch, Swiss runners Valentina Rosamilia and Lore Hoffman mounted a challenge, but Bol held them off to secure the win. Rosamilia and Hoffman finished second and third with times of 1:59.90 and 1:59.91, respectively.

Given Bol's world indoor 400m record of 49.17, the 57-second split at the halfway mark was well within her capabilities, and she maintained a relaxed form throughout the race.

The field in Metz was slightly weakened by the late withdrawal of Gabriela Gajanová, who was suffering from a cold. Gajanová, the Slovak record holder with an outdoor best of 1:58.22 and the 2024 European silver medalist behind Hodgkinson, would have provided a sterner test for the Dutch star.

With her impressive debut and as Bol continues to explore her new event, the athletics world will be watching to see just how far she can push her remarkable talent.