AMSTERDAM (Feb 17 ) – Olympic and world champion Femke Bol has ended her 2026 indoor season early due to a tendon issue in her foot, the twice world 400m hurdles champion and five-time European gold medalist confirmed on Tuesday (17).
The 26-year-old Dutch star revealed on Instagram that she had been struggling with a foot problem following a recent training camp and decided to stop competing to avoid aggravating the injury. Bol had made an impressive debut over 800 metres at the Metz meet on Feb. 8, clocking a Dutch indoor record of 1:59.07 in her first international race at the distance.
She had been scheduled to return to competition over 600 metres at the Meeting Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais Trophée EDF, a World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold fixture in Liévin on Thursday (19).
“Unfortunately, I will not be racing @meeting_indoor_lievin this week,” Bol said on her social media page to her 696K followers.
“After the last tough session at camp, I’ve been dealing with a tendon issue in my foot. With my team, we decided it was stable enough to still race the two planned indoor competitions. However, after my first race, there was a stronger reaction, and we don’t want to risk it,” she continued.
Read More: Dutch Star Femke Bol Makes Winning and “Fun” 800m Debut at Metz Indoor Meeting
The decision comes as Bol transitions from her signature 400 metres hurdles to middle-distance events, a move she described as “pushing my body in new ways.” She plans to focus on rehabilitation and building toward the outdoor season.
“I’m using and pushing my body in new ways this year,” she said. “It’s a fine line, and right now my body is telling me it’s a bit too much.”
One of the most decorated athletes of her generation, Bol is the reigning 4×400 metres mixed relay Olympic champion from Paris 2024 and a three-time world champion – having claimed gold in the 400m hurdles in 2023 and 2025, and in the women’s 4x400m relay in 2023. She also owns two world indoor titles from 2024 and multiple European crowns, including five outdoor and five indoor gold medals.
Bol holds two Olympic bronzes (400m hurdles in 2021 and 2024) and a 4x400m silver from Paris 2024, in addition to a world bronze in the 4x400m in 2025. Her European record collection includes a mixed relay bronze from 2024 and five national titles.
Known for her smooth stride and fierce competitive edge, Bol has been one of Europe’s most dominant athletes across the 400m and 400m hurdles in recent years. Her early indoor exit is viewed as a precaution to safeguard her health ahead of the outdoor season, where she could pursue a dual event in the 400m hurdles and the 800m.
“Thank you all for the amazing support during this transition. I’m sorry it was only one race this winter,” Bol added. “Time for rehab and building towards the outdoor season.”
