September 19, 2025 Femke Bol celebrates her win. Photo: Robin van Lonkhuizen ANP

Femke Bol retained her 400 metres hurdles world title at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Friday.

Bol took the race in 51.54, the second-best time in the world this season. Her victory is only the second time a Dutch athlete has retained her world title – the first being Dafne Schippers, who won gold in the 200 metres in 2015 and 2017.

Jasmine Jones of the US won silver, and Emma Zapletalová of Slovakia took the bronze.

Bol’s main rival, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, had opted to focus on the 400 metres this time round and won gold in that event on Thursday.

Bol’s gold is the third medal for the Netherlands at the games so far. This weekend, she will be part of the women’s 4×400 metres relay team, having won silver in the mixed relay on the first day of the tournament.

Athletics Sport

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