Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone didn’t ease into her season. She exploded into it. With a jaw-dropping 52.07 in the 400m hurdles and a searing 49.69 in the flat 400, all by early May, the American star made one thing clear: she’s here to dominate. Her times weren’t just impressive. They were the kind that set the tone for the entire summer. Meanwhile, one name was noticeably missing from the conversation: Femke Bol. While McLaughlin-Levrone was lighting up the track, Bol kept her cards close, opting for relays and silence over headline-stealing individual performances.
But when Bol finally stepped onto the line in Rabat, she reminded everyone why she’s one of the fiercest names in the game. Returning to solo competition for the first time since September, the Dutch sensation put together a commanding run in the 400m hurdles. Cruising to a 52.46, the second-fastest time in the world this year. Only McLaughlin-Levrone’s early-season 52.07 stands taller. It wasn’t just a comeback. It was a message: Bol is back, and she’s locked in. And just ahead of her appearance at the FBK Games, she sealed her intent with a crisp, confident three-word statement that says it all.
Femke Bol took to Instagram, reposting FBK Games’ graphic and dropping a simple yet thrilling tease, “See you Monday ”. The meet is set for Monday, June 9, at the historic FBK Stadium in Hengelo, Netherlands, with gates opening at 14:00, the talent program beginning at 15:00, and the main events kicking off at 17:00. It’s official! Bol is ready to light up the home crowd. And judging by her recent form, she’s bringing the fire. At the Rabat Diamond League, Bol blasted through her first solo race of the season with a 52.46 in the 400m hurdles, smashing the meet record in the process. It marked her return to individual competition after anchoring the Netherlands to gold in the mixed 4x400m relay.
Reflecting on her extended absence from solo events, Bol told Citius MAG, “I was thinking it would be, but I actually had so much peace with my decision to not do it that I could really enjoy watching it. I could enjoy watching Lika winning the 400 meters, so I actually enjoyed it.” Known for her relentless racing calendar and dominance indoors, Bol stunned fans this past winter by stepping back from individual races entirely. It was a bold break from tradition. After all, she snagged two silvers at World Indoors in 2022 and followed up with gold and silver in 2024. Yet in 2025, she hit pause. “I enjoyed the tough trainings. I enjoyed not having the stress that I usually put on myself when I’m competing—so no, not really,” Bol said.
Now, with her return confirmed for next games and her Rabat statement still echoing, the stage is set. The only thing missing? A head-to-head with McLaughlin-Levrone.
Tokyo on the horizon: Bol vs. McLaughlin-Levrone showdown incoming?
The stage is slowly being set for what could be one of the most electrifying clashes of the season. And maybe the entire year. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Femke Bol are heading toward a collision course that may erupt at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. Their last showdown at the 2024 Paris Olympics was unforgettable. Sydney didn’t just win gold. She obliterated her own world record, clocking an unfathomable 50.37 seconds. Bol, who had led most of that race, was edged out late and finished with bronze, while Anna Cockrell surged for silver with a stunning 51.87 PB. Still, Bol’s resume speaks volumes. European record holder at 50.95, and the only woman aside from Sydney to ever dip under 51.
What makes the brewing rivalry even more intriguing is the unexpected moves each athlete is making this year. While Bol is storming through the 400m hurdles circuit again, collecting win after win. 25 Diamond League victories to date, Sydney has been experimenting. After demolishing early-season 400m and hurdles races, she’s now stepping into the 100m hurdles, with a test run lined up at the next Grand Slam Track meet in Philadelphia. But most fans and analysts agree. Her return to the 400m hurdles is almost inevitable, especially with Tokyo looming. Before then? There’s buzz that these two queens of the event could face off at a Diamond League or Grand Slam stop and when they do, expect sparks.
For Bol, 2025 isn’t just about revenge. It’s about cementing legacy. She’s gunning for a fifth straight Diamond League title, another global medal (hopefully gold), and maybe even a new record. The Tokyo Worlds in September are shaping up to be the ultimate battleground. With Sydney refining her speed in new events and Bol steadily building momentum with every race, this rivalry is not cooling down. It’s getting hotter by the week.
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