Olympic bronze medalist and European record holder in the 400m hurdles, Femke Bol, completed the first part of her goal at the European Athletics Championships in Munich. The young Dutchwoman won the 400m title with a personal best of 49.44 sec and the best result in Europe for the season and is now set to attempt a double with a start in her crowning discipline.
Traditionally strong in this discipline, Polish athletes defended the name of their homeland. Natalia Kaczmarek won the silver with 49.94 sec and her compatriot Anna Kiełbasińska grabbed the bronze with 50.29 sec.
“I think this race was more difficult than the 400m hurdles. After the race, I realized it wasn’t that close. I got the great track as my strongest female competitors were running in the outer tracks. This is my first outdoor championship gold medal. I know I won’t get much sleep today, so tomorrow’s 400m hurdles semi-final will be tough”, said Femke Bol after the success.
