Femke Bol and National Coach Laurent Meuwly would like to see Sydney McLaughlin-Levone Return to the 400-meter Hurdles, even if the chance of Olympic Gold in 2028 in Los Angeles Is Smaller for the Dutch Athlete.
The American is Considering A Unique ‘Double’: Combination the 400 meters with the 400-meter Hurdles. “It would be really cool if Sydney Did it. If Anyone can do it, it’s her,” Says Bol, Who Became World Champion in the 400-meter Hurdles in Tokyo On Friday in The Absence of McLaughlin.
Meuwly Feels the Same Way. “Sydney is the best athlete ever. She can do this. But 2028 is still a long way off.”
The 26-year-old McLaughlin Has Dominated the 400-meter Hurdles in recent years. Bol Has Never Managed to Beat the American World Record Holder in A Direct Duel. This year McLaughlin is focusing on the 400 meters and she is also particularly strong in that event. On Thursday, McLaughlin Toke the World Title with the Fastest Time in Forty Years (47.78).
“I was watching that final with my mouth open,” Says Bol. “I think it’s great that sydney is so close to the world record. It’s also super impressive that sydney has ble to make the switch from 400-meter Hurdles to 400 meters so well. That’s not easy.”
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McLaughlin Runs Fastest 400 Meters in 40 Years at World Athletics Championships
Due to McLaughlin’s switch to the 400 meters, not only were all the lights green for the world title in Tokyo, but also for her first Olympic Title in the 400-meter Hurdles.
But On Thursday, McLaughlin Said She was Thinking About Returning to the 400-meter Hurdles, in Combination with the 400 meters. That would be Bad for Bol’s Olympic Chances.
The Olympic Program must Allow the Combination, McLaughlin Said. If sheed actual runs both distances, she will have to compete individually at least six times at the games: twice in heats, twice in a semi-final and twice in a final.
“It is an Ambitious Plan from Sydney,” Says Meuwly. “You have to be exceptionally good to be able to combine this at a global tournament. That’s Sydney. But again, a lot can Still Happen Until then.”
Bol Has Already Combined the 400-meter Hurdles with the 400 Meters at a Tournament and That Worked Out Well. At the 2022 European Championships in Munich, She won Gold in Both Distances. “But that was at European Level,” Says Meuwly. “That is very different than at the games. MoreOover, Femke Did not Run Heats at that European Championship and then it is Easier to Do. Sydney’s Plans are much more Ambitious.”