Olympics women’s 400-meter hurdles gold medalist Femke Bol has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming Diamond League meeting in Zurich, citing recent illness as the reason for her decision.
The Dutch athlete took to social media to share the news with her fans, highlighting the necessity of prioritizing her health after a taxing season.
Bol’s statement on Instagram underscored the severity of her condition.
“Unfortunately I won’t be running @weltklassezurich like planned. I’ve been sick the last days and I need to give my body some time to recover,” she wrote.
This news comes as a disappointment to many, as the Zurich event, scheduled for September 5, was highly anticipated, especially following Bol’s recent triumphs.
The 24-year-old hurdler, who had secured three medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has been a formidable force in the world of athletics.
Her performance in Silesia, where she finished the 400m hurdles in 52.13 seconds, had set expectations high for the Zurich meet. Bol’s absence is not just a personal setback but also a significant loss for the event, where she was among the top draws.
“I’ve got some amazing memories and I would’ve loved to make some more this year, but I guess I will have to wait till next year. Good luck to everyone competing there and I hope it will be an amazing night for everyone in the stands,” Bol added in her Instagram story.
This setback follows an intense season for Bol, who has consistently pushed the boundaries of her endurance.
At the Paris Olympics, she not only claimed gold in the women’s 400-meter hurdles but also played a crucial role in the Netherlands’ success in relay events.
She anchored her team to a first-place finish in the mixed 4x400m relay and earned a silver in the women’s 4x400m relay, setting a national record.
The physical demands of such achievements can take a toll, and Bol’s current need for rest highlights the often-overlooked aspect of athlete welfare.
