When Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Femke Bol meet eyes in the depths of the Stade de France before the Olympic 400m hurdles final – and unless unforeseen circumstances arise, both will certainly be present – it will mark the first encounter between these two extraordinary talents since 2022.
Their infrequent matchups, largely due to injuries, different focuses, and wildly varied competition schedules, have only amplified the excitement for one of the Olympics’ most anticipated clashes. Both are 24 years old (at least until McLaughlin-Levrone’s upcoming birthday just before the Olympic final) and are generational talents hailing from opposite sides of the Atlantic, thriving in the same era.
The current ranking has been undeniable, with McLaughlin-Levrone never once losing to the Dutch star, who stands as her primary competition for gold in Paris.
The American is clearly the superior athlete in her event: the reigning Olympic champion and the first woman to ever clock below 51 seconds when she claimed the 2022 world title, leaving Bol far behind in second place. That astonishing display positioned her among the best, making the second and third fastest 400m hurdlers look like amateurs tripping behind her—her time would have secured a victory in British 400m flat competitions.
However, it is the developments since then that add to the intrigue. After opting to focus on the 400m last season, McLaughlin-Levrone was sidelined by injury and has competed infrequently this year.
In her absence, Bol has steadily risen, breaking the long-standing indoor 400m world record twice over consecutive seasons and preparing for these Olympics by becoming the second woman ever to break 51 seconds, following in her American rival’s footsteps. While McLaughlin-Levrone is seldom seen racing, typically reserving herself for peak competitions, Bol’s victories have become a reliable highlight in athletics.
Yet, just as some wondered if McLaughlin-Levrone could handle any potential rustiness from scarce racing, she astounded everyone once more by setting another world record—her fifth in the 400m hurdles—thus winning the US trials in a time of 50.65 seconds at the end of June.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (centre) clears a hurdle on her way to winning the women’s 400m hurdles final at the 2022 World Athletics Championships ahead of Femke Bol (third right). Photograph: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
“What will be fascinating is that Femke has gotten used to always being ahead of her competitors,” comments Eilidh Doyle, a British Olympic and world 400m hurdles finalist. “This might be the most thrilling head-to-head matchup in history, but I’d lean towards Sydney. I feel like Sydney has a bit more in her, while Femke may need to adjust her stride to truly challenge her.”
No matter the outcome, the dual aesthetics will be unparalleled in Paris. Karsten Warholm, the fastest male 400m hurdler ever, explodes out of the blocks and bulldozes through each race, appearing to physically wrestle with each stride as he nears the finish line like a man desperately trying to board a train. It’s not a pretty sight.
In stark contrast, it’s rare – if ever – that the sport has showcased two athletes as gifted as McLaughlin-Levrone and Bol, who consistently make their performance look effortless; they are world-class athletes who seem to glide from start to finish.
“They both look like they’re out for a casual jog,” Doyle remarks. “They flow so nicely and exude smoothness. I’m not sure if the new spikes help maintain their cadence and stride, but they possess an extraordinary, graceful running style. It’s truly remarkable; I’ve never witnessed anyone make 400m hurdles look so easy while maintaining such speed.”
Doyle notes that their similar racing strategies add another layer of excitement: “Even though they usually finish far ahead of others, they slowly build their pace until they unleash their full effort around 150-200 meters from the finish.
“So it won’t be a situation where one races far ahead and the other tries to catch up; they will likely be very close. Sensing someone leaping the hurdle simultaneously can lead to slight errors. It will then come down to who can maintain composure under the pressure.”
Despite Bol’s advancements and dominance throughout the season, McLaughlin-Levrone remains the faster competitor on paper; she is faster than ever. It would take something truly extraordinary for Bol to defeat her for the first time on such a prestigious stage.
