Femke Bol Savours First Outdoor 800m Victory

Reaction from Femke Bol Broeders was one of satisfaction and reflection after she claimed her first outdoor 800 metres victory of the season in front of her home fans, clocking 1:57.41.

The double 400m hurdles world champion admitted she is still learning the tactical demands of the event but was delighted to combine her growing experience with a winning performance.

‘I expected to be in front after 500m, which was different than in Ostrava. I have to practice all these types of races. Today I wanted to run a good first 500m, and then accelerate towards the finish,’ Bol explained.

She acknowledged that the opening lap was slightly slower than planned, but emphasized the importance of staying calm and adapting to race conditions.

Bol’s victory came in a high-quality contest where six athletes dipped under the two-minute barrier.

Australia’s Abbey Caldwell finished second in 1:58.22, France’s Clara Liberman set a personal best of 1:58.69, followed by Germany’s Majtie Kolberg (1:58.78), Switzerland’s Valentina Rosamilia (1:59.75), and Uganda’s 2019 world champion Halimah Nakaayi (1:59.88).

Reflecting further, Bol said: ‘I still feel like I have to keep myself calm at the beginning, since my feeling for tempo is not really there yet. Every race will give a new experience.

‘The next race in Paris (Diamond League) will be a tightly stacked field, so this will be new as well. For now I will enjoy this result and the birthday of my husband Ben Broeders.’