This article delves into the ongoing rivalry between two of the world’s top 400m hurdlers, Femke Bol from the Netherlands and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone from the USA, as they approach the 2024 track season. The story contrasts their different approaches to competition, with McLaughlin-Levrone participating in only a few key events since winning gold at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, while Bol has been a consistent presence in nearly every major international meet.
Since winning Olympic gold in Tokyo, McLaughlin-Levrone has appeared in just two major international competitions before the 2024 season: the 2022 World Championships, where she broke her own world record, and a single Diamond League event in 2023. In addition, she competed in the 2022 USATF Championships on home soil but suffered a knee injury after her Diamond League appearance. Despite these limited appearances, McLaughlin-Levrone remains a dominant figure, having broken her world record five times since 2021.
In contrast, Bol has been one of the most active athletes on the circuit, winning three Diamond League titles in 2024 alone. Despite recently falling ill, which caused her to miss the Zurich Diamond League meet, Bol announced her return for the Diamond League finals in Brussels, much to the delight of her fans. Her dedication to competing throughout the season has impressed many, with some believing that her consistent participation gives her an edge over McLaughlin-Levrone.
This rivalry inevitably sparks comparisons between the two athletes. McLaughlin-Levrone’s absence from most of the Diamond League events this season, combined with her ability to set world records when she does compete, has led some fans to question whether her limited participation is justified. Some fans feel that McLaughlin-Levrone’s strategy of only competing in select events, despite her dominance, contrasts unfavorably with Bol’s full-season effort. These comparisons became even more heated after McLaughlin-Levrone earned a wild card entry to the Brussels Diamond League final, despite not having fully met the eligibility criteria, which typically require an athlete to compete in at least one Diamond League race and either win the Olympics or World Championships.
On social media, particularly on Reddit, fans voiced their opinions. Many backed Bol, emphasizing that she has been racing consistently all season. Some felt it was unfair that McLaughlin-Levrone received a wild card, especially given Bol’s active presence on the track throughout the year. However, others defended McLaughlin-Levrone, highlighting her status as the world record holder and a two-time Olympic champion. Despite competing less frequently and facing injuries, McLaughlin-Levrone remains a force to be reckoned with.
Bol’s illness ahead of Zurich raised concerns about whether she would compete in Brussels, but her quick recovery reassured fans that she would be back for the finals. With McLaughlin-Levrone opting to race in the 400m and 200m events at the Brussels final, and not the 400m hurdles, the highly anticipated head-to-head showdown between the two will not happen at the Diamond League finals, much to the disappointment of track and field enthusiasts.
Looking ahead, many fans are confident that Bol has a strong chance of winning the Diamond League 400m hurdles title, especially with McLaughlin-Levrone not competing in the hurdles. Bol’s consistency, particularly her ability to run 52-second times regularly, has been a key factor in her success this season. Some fans speculate that Bol’s accumulated 24 points from her 2024 races give her a significant advantage going into the finals.
Ultimately, this rivalry between Bol and McLaughlin-Levrone highlights two different approaches to elite competition: McLaughlin-Levrone’s selective but record-breaking appearances versus Bol’s full-season dedication. While both athletes have achieved incredible success, their contrasting strategies continue to spark debate among fans. Regardless of the outcome at the Brussels finals, it’s clear that the rivalry between these two track stars will remain a central storyline in the world of athletics.
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