Two-time world 400m hurdles champion Femke Bol has announced she will switch events and compete in the 800m starting next year.
Dutch superstar Bol, 25, who successfully defended his world title in Tokyo in September, also won bronze medals at the last two Olympic Games in that discipline.
She has also been world indoor champion in the 400m dash and is a renowned relay athlete, gold medalist in anchor leg runner with the Dutch 4x400m team at Paris 2024.
In 2026, she will move up in distance to an event in which Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson is the reigning Olympic champion.
Bol said in a post on Instagram:, external “It’s a big change, it’s uncertain and challenging, but I’m ready to get to work, surrounded by an incredible team and enjoy this new journey.”
Hodgkinson responded to the post saying: “Can’t wait to share the start line.”