Bol Switches to the 800m, Eyes LA 2028

Femke Bol is leaving the 400m hurdles behind. On Friday, 10 October 2025, she announced a switch to the 800m, aiming at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. It is a rare pivot for an athlete at the top of her event.

World hurdles champion turns 800m rookie

The news came less than a month after Bol defended her hurdles world title in Tokyo. She shared it first in an Instagram post, then spoke to a small group of reporters alongside her coach, Laurent Meuwly.

The idea had first surfaced after the Paris Olympics, at the Lausanne Diamond League. Bol and Meuwly waited a full season before committing, giving her time to process the step. She said the thought had grown since Paris, when she turned 25 and wanted more from the sport.

A career record left behind, near-empty ground ahead

Bol closes her hurdles chapter regarded as arguably the second-best ever, behind Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Her 50.95 European record is the second-fastest time in history, framed by two world titles and two Olympic bronzes.

The 800m is almost blank ground. Her only prior mark was 2:19.51, run indoors in 2017. The Dutch record, 1:55.54, had stood to Ellen van Langen since her Olympic gold in 1992.

"We have decided that I will make the 800m my main event for the next years," Bol told the assembled media. "The 800m has always been an event I love to watch."

The early answer came fast. In her first 800m season she lowered her best to 1:54.71, cutting more than four seconds inside six months. The road to Los Angeles has begun.