How Dutch Hurdler Femke Bol turned her losses into wins

Femke Bol has been extremely successful this year, taking home numerous titles and medals and being named the Dutch Sportswoman of the Year. While some may argue that this was an overnight success, those who have been paying close attention to her may disagree.

Beginning at the young age of 15, Bol had her eyes set on becoming an expert at the 400-meter hurdles. Around that age, she also started competing in youth- and junior-level competitions and was able to win numerous national youth titles.

Femke Bol’s journey and greatest challenge

She transcended into the senior level in 2020, at which point Bol was already 20 years old. From that moment on, Bol managed to rack up several prestigious accolades in different international competitions, thereby cementing her position as one of the best female hurdlers of her generation. In her first Olympic appearance in Tokyo, Bol won the bronze medal in the 400-meter hurdle event.

But while she’s seen many successes in her career, Bol is still no stranger to losses. At the 2019 World Championships, she wasn’t able to progress to the final round in her signature event and placed 7th in the 4x400m relay. At the World Relays, Bol also had a fourth-place and eighth-place showing in the relay and mixed categories.

Her greatest challenge came recently at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. In the 4x400m mixed, Bol was speeding ahead, with Team USA closely trailing behind her. And she was well within her way to snag the gold when, just a few meters before the finish line, her legs gave out and she fell to the ground. The baton flew from her hand, and the disappointment was apparent afterwards.

Bol, though, dismissed her feelings of humiliation and disappointment and made the bold and determined decision to continue competing in her upcoming events. In one of her interviews, she even declared that “she would like to have her revenge.”

Sportswoman of the Year

In the 400-meter final, Femke Bol stormed to victory with a record of 51.70s. And in the 4x400m relay, Bol, in a team effort, also won the gold medal.

In recognition of her outstanding efforts this year, Bol was honored at the Dutch Sports Gala. She was named the 2023 Dutch Sportswoman of the Year as well as a member of the 2023 Team of the Year.

Revelling in her latest accolades, Bol was seen beaming widely while holding her trophy.

Two world titles and two trophies at the Dutch Sports Gala! 🏆

Femke Bol is crowned 2023 Dutch Sportswoman of the Year and the Dutch 4x400m team is the 2023 Team of the Year! 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/iV2pe25kEg

— European Athletics (@EuroAthletics) December 20, 2023