When it comes to athletics, few rivalries have captivated fans over the past few years like that of Femke Bol and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Both are world-class athletes in the 400m hurdles, a discipline that requires a rare blend of speed, stamina, technique, and mental toughness. Yet, when two-time world champion Femke Bol reflects on her American rival, she does so with admiration, honesty, and respect.

Bol has achieved tremendous success on the track, becoming a household name in European athletics and one of the fastest hurdlers in history. But even she admits that when it comes to Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the bar has been set at a level that seems almost untouchable.

“She’s the very best ever,” Bol acknowledged in a recent interview.

This simple statement sums up what many in the sport already believe: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is not just dominant, she’s redefining what’s possible in women’s athletics.

A Rivalry Built on Respect

In every sport, rivalries add flavor, intensity, and storylines that make competitions unforgettable. The clash between Bol and McLaughlin-Levrone has been described as one of the most exciting in track and field today. Both athletes push each other to new heights, and though they rarely meet on the big stage due to injuries, scheduling, or strategic choices, whenever they do, fans are treated to electrifying races.

However, Bol has always maintained that this rivalry is not rooted in hostility but mutual respect. “It’s disappointing not to race her sometimes,” she explained, referencing the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and other major championships where circumstances prevented their much-anticipated duels. “But I know whenever she’s on the track, the standards of the event are raised. She makes us all better.”

The Disappointment of Missing the Showdowns

One of the biggest talking points in athletics has been the near misses between Bol and McLaughlin-Levrone on the global stage. Many fans looked forward to seeing the two battle it out at the World Championships in Tokyo, but McLaughlin-Levrone’s absence left a gap. For Bol, this was not just about missing the chance to prove herself against the best but also about losing the opportunity to be part of something truly historic.

“It’s every athlete’s dream to compete against the very best at their peak,” Bol said. “And Sydney is that athlete in our event. Of course, I would have loved to test myself against her in Tokyo. It’s disappointing, but her impact goes beyond any single race.”

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone: A GOAT in the Making

Why does Bol – herself a double world champion – so openly call Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone the “very best ever”? The reasons are clear.

McLaughlin-Levrone has transformed the women’s 400m hurdles with performances that seem almost superhuman. She has repeatedly smashed her own world records, running times that were once considered impossible. Beyond the hurdles, she has also taken on the challenge of the 400m flat – and excelled – proving her versatility and cementing her status as one of the most complete athletes in the sport.

For Bol, this versatility is a huge part of Sydney’s greatness. “She doesn’t just dominate the hurdles,” Bol noted. “She’s amazing in the 400m flat too. It shows she is not only physically talented but also mentally strong to take on new challenges.”

A Lasting Legacy

The admiration from Bol underscores a larger truth about McLaughlin-Levrone: her legacy is already secure, even though she is still in her mid-twenties. Athletes often get labeled as “the future of the sport,” but in Sydney’s case, she has already become its present and its defining figure.

For younger athletes, both Bol and McLaughlin-Levrone serve as inspirations. They show that excellence is not limited to one country or one athlete but is the product of hard work, talent, and determination. However, Bol believes Sydney’s contribution will always be remembered for shifting the boundaries of what women can achieve on the track.

Looking Ahead

The rivalry between Femke Bol and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is far from over. With upcoming championships and Olympic Games on the horizon, the world is eagerly waiting for the next chapter in their story. Will Bol find a way to close the gap? Will Sydney continue to stretch the limits of human performance? One thing is certain: whenever these two line up against each other, it will be a race for the ages.

Until then, Bol remains grounded, focused on her own career while still acknowledging the brilliance of her rival. “She’ll remain a GOAT in our sport,” Bol concluded. “No matter what happens in the future, Sydney has already left a mark that no one can erase.”

In the end, that might be the most powerful testament of all. From one champion to another, Femke Bol’s praise is more than just sportsmanship – it’s recognition of greatness. And for fans, it’s a reminder of why athletics remains one of the most inspiring sports in the world.