"I think about going out fast"- Femke Bol opens up about how her mindset has changed this season as she heads to Paris 2024 Olympics

By Marie Amani

Modified Jul 21, 2024 03:19 GMT

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Femke Bol has explained how her mindset has changed as she heads to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The Dutchwoman will be returning to the Olympic stage after her third-place finish at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

After her London Diamond League victory, Femke Bol noted that running the 400m has helped her work towards her impressive execution of the 400m hurdles.

Speaking to Flo Track, Femke Bol noted that running the half-lap race made her realize how she loves her comfort zone and she had to switch that up if she had to go faster in her specialty, the 400m hurdles.

The Olympic Games 400m Hurdles bronze medallist noted that running the 400m, she would always switch up her speed after 200m but at the moment, she starts hard, something she is very proud of.

The 400m hurdles world champion said:

"I think about going out fast and I think I can for a 400m flat, I just realize that I love my comfort zone a little too much by chilling the first 200m and then after that, I switch my mindset and I decided I go out and I die and I’m proud of it."

Bol has been impressive this season so far. She had a great indoor campaign before switching up to outdoor races.

In the 400m hurdles, Bol began her campaign at the Diamond League Meeting in Stockholm with a win in 53.07. She then proceeded to the European Athletics Championships where she dominated in 52.49.

The Dutchwoman clocked 50.95 at the Résisprint International, becoming just the second woman to run under 51 seconds after Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.

She extended her winning streak to the Diamond League Meeting in London where she clocked a meeting record of 51.30. In the 400m flat, Femke Bol has raced once, winning the FBK Games in Hengelo in 50.02.

Femke Bol ready to race against Sydney Mc-Laughlin-Levrone at Paris Olympics after London Diamond League victory

Femke Bol (L), Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (C) and Dalilah Muhammad (R) at the 2022 World Athletics Championships Oregon (Source: Getty Images)

Femke Bol has exuded confidence ahead of clashing against Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone at the Olympic Games following her victory at the Diamond League Meeting in London.

The 24-year-old was majestic, clocking an impressive 51.30 to set a new meeting record at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Stadium. The race saw Shamier Little and Rushell Clayton finish second and third in respective times of 52.78 and 53.24.

Speaking after the race, Bol noted that she is now ready to compete against the world record holder at the Olympic Games.

"I truly love running here in this stadium. I'm excited for Paris and I'm looking forward to racing Sydney (McLaughlin-Levrone). I will be ready for it," Bol said.

Bol and McLaughlin-Levrone last raced against each other at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene where the latter won after clocking a then-world record timing of 50.68 seconds. The Dutchwoman won silver by registering a timing of 52.27 seconds.