(June 23) — Triple European champion Femke Bol shattered her own championship record in the women’s 400m event at the European Athletics Team Championships 2023. Bol clocked a cruising time of 49.82 seconds to secure the First Division title on Friday (23).
Having previously set the record at 50.37 seconds in Romania two years ago, Bol delivered another special performance to add one more accolade to her already illustrious young track and field career.
Read more: How to watch the 1st Division European Athletics Team Championships 2023: Day 1
The Dutch star, who set the world indoor record earlier this year, began the race with a conservative start, covering the opening 100m in 12.29secs and reached the 200m mark at 23.80secs. However, she gradually increased her tempo in the latter half, ultimately claiming an easy victory.
“I always want to run faster. I focus on the hurdles now, so it’s a bit harder to get the pace right on the flat, and I was a bit lost,” Bol said in her post-race interview. “The most important thing is I got top points for the Netherlands.”
Bol, the Olympic 400m hurdles bronze medalist, had an outstanding performance today to not only secured her the title but also establish the fastest time across all three divisions at this year’s championships throughout the week.
Natalia Kaczmarek, the crowd favorite from Poland, finished second with a time of 50.34 seconds. Although she was happy with the second-place finish Kaczmarek, who entered with a season-best of 50.02secs, wasn’t pleased with her time.
“I’m not satisfied with my run, but I’ve finished in the expected place,” said Kaczmarek. “I knew it would be tough to be faster than Femke, and I wasn’t counting on that.
“I’d like to compete with her as an equal rival. I’m quite happy about my place, but I cannot say that about the time.”
Meanwhile, Cynthia Bolingo from Belgium clinched third place with a season-best time of 50.95 seconds, followed by Ama Pipi from Great Britain, who also achieved her season-best time of 51.10 seconds.
The race also saw a personal best performance from Tereza Petržílková from the Czech Republic, who finished the race in 51.51 seconds for fifth, and a season-best performance from Italy’s Alice Mangione (51.55)
Bol’s triumph today ranks as the second-fastest time achieved by a European 400m runner this season, trailing behind NCAA champion Rhasidat Adeleke of Ireland, who clocked an impressive 49.20 seconds in Texas earlier this month.
Women’s 400m Results
- Femke Bol (NED) – 49.82 CR
- Natalia Kaczmarek (POL) – 50.34
- Cynthia Bolingo (BEL) – 50.95 SB
- Ama Pipi (GBR) – 51.10 SB
- Tereza Petržílková (CZE) – 51.51 PB
- Alice Mangione (ITA) – 51.55 SB
- Cátia Azevedo (POR) – 51.93
- Laura Müller (GER) – 52.32
