'She doesn’t deserve to be on that line' - Fred Kerley goes hard on Femke Bol's inclusion as finalist for Athlete of the Year award

The selection of Femke Bol as a finalist for the World Athletics Athlete of the Year award has sparked considerable debate, with American sprinter Fred Kerley adding his voice to the controversy.

Many fans and pundits were surprised by the Dutch hurdling queen's inclusion, particularly over athletes like Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet, who had dominant seasons.

Bol's nomination alongside rival Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone drew scrutiny, especially since her World Championships gold in the 400m hurdles was won in her rival's absence as the American focused on the 400m flat.

In a recent interview with Anson Henry of Unconventional Productions, Kerley expressed his strong disagreement with the decision to place Bol on the same level as McLaughlin-Levrone for this year's award.

"They’re trying to compare the two [Sydney and Femke], and you can’t really compare the two," the former American world champion stated. "There’s nothing against Fica [Femke Bol]. There’s nothing wrong with her, but she doesn’t deserve to be on that line this year!

"It’s no such thing to be on that line when you really have not done anything, really," he continued. "Sydney will break a record every time she steps on the 400-meter hurdle. That’s the standard in that event right there. So you just won a gold in an event that Sydney ain’t run. And if Sydney was around that, would you be into the thing?"

While Kerley's critique was sharp, Bol did have a successful 2024 season. The Dutch star set a meet record at the Rabat Diamond League (52.46s) and later posted a world-leading time of 51.95s in Monaco. She also secured victories at the London Diamond League and the Gyulai István Memorial.

However, when compared to other contenders, her resume appears less dominant. Kenya's Chebet achieved a historic double, winning gold in both the 5000m and 10000m at the World Championships in Toky, and breaking the 5000m world record. Kipyegon, who topped the fan vote, won the 1500m world title and took silver in the 5000m behind her gold medal-winning compatriot.

Meanwhile, McLaughlin-Levrone made history in the 400m flat. She won gold with a time of 47.78 seconds, the second-fastest ever recorded, becoming the first woman in nearly four decades to break the 48-second barrier. In doing so, she defeated top competitors like Marileidy Paulino and Salwa Eid Naser, shattering the championship record.

Despite the arguably stronger seasons from Chebet and Kipyegon, it was Bol who was named a finalist alongside McLaughlin-Levrone. The winner is set to be announced on November 30.