Few athletes in world athletics capture the imagination quite like Femke Bol. The Dutch star, renowned for her graceful yet powerful stride, has quickly become one of the most recognizable figures in modern track and field. Her arms outstretched at the finish line, often clutching a baton, and her radiant smile as she crosses the line have become iconic images of sporting excellence.

As we move deeper into 2025, fans of the sport are eagerly awaiting what Bol has in store. After a brief pause following her heroics at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the 25-year-old is back and ready to take on another season that promises fireworks.

A Stellar Olympic Campaign

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Bol showcased her versatility and resilience on the world’s biggest stage. She played a vital role in the Netherlands’ gold medal triumph in the mixed 4x400m relay, a race that highlighted her ability to rise under pressure. She also anchored her team to silver in the women’s 4x400m relay, further cementing her reputation as one of the most dependable relay runners in the world. Individually, she captured a bronze medal in the 400m hurdles—an event in which she has consistently challenged the very best, including American superstar Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.

These accomplishments alone would have been enough to define a career, but for Bol, they are merely stepping stones in a journey that continues to gather momentum.

Taking Time to Recharge

After the high of Paris, Bol allowed herself something she hadn’t experienced in years: a break. Speaking on the Open Kaart podcast, she reflected on the importance of pausing and stepping outside the relentless bubble of elite sport. “I needed to breathe for a moment, to step outside the bubble and remember that I have a beautiful life beyond sport, too,” she admitted.

This period of rest was not just physical but mental, offering Bol the chance to recharge and reflect before diving into another demanding season. Athletes at her level rarely get extended breaks, and the decision could prove crucial in sustaining her long-term dominance.

A Triumphant Indoor Return

Fans didn’t have to wait long for Bol’s return to competition. In March 2025, she stepped back onto the track at the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn. Running before an ecstatic home crowd, she delivered as expected, anchoring the Dutch team to historic victories in both the inaugural mixed relay and the women’s 4x400m relay.

The sight of Bol powering down the straight in front of her home fans reminded the athletics world of her unmatched relay brilliance and set the tone for what promises to be a special year.

What to Expect in 2025

So, what lies ahead for Bol in 2025?

First, world records are always within reach whenever she takes to the track. While Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone still holds the world record in the women’s 400m hurdles, Bol’s consistency and relentless pursuit of improvement mean she remains a legitimate threat to break it. Every season she edges closer, and 2025 could finally be the year.

Second, her dominance in relays shows no signs of slowing. The Netherlands has built its success in large part around Bol’s reliability and ability to close races. Expect more thrilling finishes and possibly more continental and world titles as she continues to anchor both the women’s and mixed teams.

Finally, all eyes are on her individual 400m hurdles campaign. Having medaled in Paris, Bol now sets her sights on converting that podium finish into gold at the World Championships and beyond. With her natural talent, technical precision, and unshakable determination, she remains one of the biggest threats to McLaughlin-Levrone’s supremacy in the event.

The Bol Effect

What makes Bol’s story so captivating is not just her speed but her personality. She prefers action over words, once remarking, “I prefer to let my legs do the talking.” And indeed, they have spoken volumes. She has inspired countless young athletes across Europe and beyond, proving that with dedication, humility, and belief, the gap between dream and reality can be bridged.

As 2025 unfolds, the athletics world waits eagerly for more of those unforgettable moments when Bol explodes down the track, arms outstretched, a smile lighting up her face. Whether it’s chasing down a rival on the final leg of a relay or attacking the hurdles with grace and power, Femke Bol is poised once again to remind us why she is one of the brightest stars in global sport.