Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone? Dalilah Muhammad? - Future of women's 400mH division in the absence of Femke Bol

In the past decade, the women's 400m Hurdles division has always been dominated by arguably the three greatest in history - Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Dalilah Muhammad, and Femke Bol.

Sadly, the future of their fierce rivalry and dominance ahead of the LA 2028 Olympics will likely come to a halt, following Bol's surprise announcement that she's switching from the 400mH to the 800m starting from the 2026 season.

The Dutch hurdling queen released details of her decision on her Instagram page, accompanied by a video showcasing her best winning moments over the years and explaining why she's set for a new chapter.

"I'm moving to the 800m. Fewer hurdles on the track, or well, different kinds of hurdles. I've learned so much from hurdling, and I really loved it. It will always have a special place in my heart," she said.

Having accomplished all she had planned to in her young career, the 25-year-old added she felt it was time for a change.

"But I'm ready for the next challenge, a new stimulus, a completely different kind of race. It's different from what I'm used to in the 400mH, and I'm really excited to explore that."

For the past five years, McLaughlin-Levrone and Bol have formed a fierce, healthy rivalry dominating the event, while Muhammad has been the veteran, blueprint, who paved the way, taking the competition to greater heights never before seen in history.

Sadly, the sport may not see the trio showcase their prowess in the event again, as they are embarking on new chapters in their careers, which have already begun.

World Record holder McLaughlin-Levrone, having successfully defended her Olympic title in Paris last summer, decided to try a new challenge by focusing on the 400m flat at the Tokyo 2025 World Championships.

The American hurdling queen showcased her dominance again by blazing to the world title in a jaw-dropping 47.78s (the second-fastest time in history). It remains to be seen whether she'll stick to the 400m or come back to the 400mH, or rather, try out a new event.

In April, veteran and former world record holder Dalilah Muhammad announced she'll be retiring from the sport at the end of the 2025 season. The Rio 2016 Olympic champion, after reaching the 400mH final in Tokyo and finishing seventh, Muhammad left the door open to possibly continuing.

Following Femke Bol's news, respected athletics journalist Chris Chavez reached out to ask for an update on her plans. She said, “My team and I have not made any final decisions, as it relates to what 2026 is going to look like professionally for me. Femke is an extremely talented athlete. I’m excited to see that. I know her team is gonna do what’s best for her, and my team will do the same.”

With Bol's official switch, the indication points to the rest of the women's 400mH division to step up and take the current throne ahead of the LA 2028 Olympics.

From current stars such as Olympic silver medallist Anna Cockrell and Tokyo silver medallist Jasmine Jones, to upcoming talents such as Savannah Sutherland and Gianna Woodruff, the future of the women's 400mH division is surely in great hands, and they will surely rise to continue the great tradition in the event for the next decade and more.