OSLO, Norway (June 15) – Femke Bol continued her exceptional form this season, delivering yet another commanding performance to secure victory in the women’s 400-meter hurdles at the 2023 Oslo Bislett Games Wanda Diamond League meeting on Thursday. Bol’s outstanding effort was marked by a world-leading time of 52.30 seconds, solidifying her dominance in the event in 2023.
The Olympic bronze medalist initially appeared slightly conservative in the race’s opening 50 meters. However, she swiftly gained momentum on the back straight, surging ahead of the competition and seizing control at the 200-meter mark. Read more: Start list, live results: Bislett Games Oslo Diamond League meeting
Although Rushell Clayton momentarily posed a challenge, Bol never seemed threatened as she surged away from the Jamaican in the final 100 meters, ultimately setting a new meeting record.
“I think it is a good combination – me and Oslo,” said Bol after her victory. “I really enjoyed the race as the atmosphere at the stadium was great. I love this stadium and you can hear how loud is the crowd.
“I think I had a good execution today. I tried to keep it untill hurdle seven and I have to ask my coach if it was really that good. I think it was really a bit better today. I think I executed the last two hurdles much better than before.”
Her impressive performance eclipsed her previous meeting record winning time of 52.61 seconds from last year. Notably, Bol also improved upon her own world-leading mark of 52.43 seconds, established earlier this month.
“It felt really good and fast. The world championships is still two months away so I am feeling good and I continue the work towards the championships,” she added.
Clayton exhibited a strong finish, securing second place with a season-best time of 53.84 seconds, while surpassing her previous 2023 record of 54.15 seconds. Panama’s Gianna Woodruff claimed the third spot with her own season-best effort, clocking in at 54.46 seconds.
Bol’s biggest competitor in the women’s 400-meter hurdles event, Olympic, and world champion USA’s Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who is the current world record holder in the event is yet to make her debut in the event this season.
Women’s 400m Hurdles Full Results:
- Femke Bol (NED) – 52.30 (MR, WL)
- Rushell Clayton (JAM) – 53.84 (SB)
- Gianna Woodruff (PAN) – 54.46 (SB)
- Janieve Russell (JAM) – 54.91 (SB)
- Anna Hall (USA) – 55.28
- Viktoriya Tkachuk (UKR) – 55.36
- Anna Ryzhykova (UKR) – 55.53 (SB)
- Line Kloster (NOR) – 56.44
