n Femke Bol has dominated the high-stake realm of track and field in a career that has redefined legacies. But a decision she recently made might not be the wisest one. After all, it has sparked quite a frenzy. But can you blame the people? After all, Bol has decided to step back entirely from individual indoor races this season. But while Bol focuses on hurdles and relays, an emerging talent from the Netherlands can reshape the competitive landscape.”

In a surprising turn, a few weeks back, Femke Bol announced that she would not compete in any individual indoor races this season. Instead, she is prioritizing rest and balance after a grueling Olympic cycle, choosing to focus only on relay events at the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn. In her own words, she admitted, “After the last Olympic cycle with years full of amazing competitions indoors and outdoors, we’ve decided to do it a bit different this year.”

Bol’s decision has left a void in the individual races. She further added, “I’m training hard and preparing myself for another successful year on the track, but I also felt that I needed a bit more time away from competing.” And amid this scenario, one athlete has wasted no time seizing the moment. And that is none other than fellow countrywoman Lieke Klaver.

Lieke Klaver, Bol’s longtime relay teammate, has been steadily climbing the ranks in the 400m flat. With each passing race, she’s proving herself as a serious contender, capable of stepping out of Bol’s shadow. As Klaver builds her own reputation, track and field veterans have begun to take notice. Some even suggested that she could dethrone Bol as the Netherlands’ premier star in the 400m.

Justin Gatlin sounds alarmed for Femke Bol as rising rival Lieke Klaver closes the gap

Klaver, Bol’s Dutch compatriot, has been on a meteoric rise. She has proved that she is far more than just a relay specialist. At the European Indoor Championships, she clocked a blistering 50.91 seconds in the 400m. In the process, she sends a clear message to the competition. Her dominance caught the attention of two major voices in the sport—Justin Gatlin and track veteran Rodney Green. The duo dissected Klaver’s performance and its implications for Bol. Gatlin made it especially clear that Klaver is no longer in the background.

In a recent episode of the Ready Set Go podcast, American sprinting legend Justin Gatlin praised Klaver’s rapid progress and hinted at a potential shift in dominance. “She’s not just a relay runner—she is a bonafide 400-meter threat,” Gatlin emphasized. “No matter what race she jumps into, you have to watch out for her because she’s constantly making gains.”

When even a legend like Gatlin acknowledges her, then it is time to admit that Klaver is no longer in the supporting role. Klaver is ready to be the main man of Dutch athletics, something that her compatriot Femke has held for ages now. Especially the 400-meter hurdles, where Femke is near unbeatable. But with her absence in the indoor circuit this season, Klaver is ready to pounce on this opportunity. But the 5-time Olympian didn’t just stop here. He believes the young Dutch is ready to be the next poster child.

Gatlin added, “I think this championship might be her championship. She might come out of it saying, ‘Hey, this is mine for the taking.’ You know, move that shadow over just a little bit, Femke—she needs space for her own now too.” Analyzing the current scenario, Gatlin continued, “This 400 is about to get real hot, and she might be bringing some hardware back to the Netherlands.”

His partner in crime, track and field pundit Rodney Green, had a different opinion, however. He emphasizes the importance of a break and gives it to a well-thought-out strategy. He doesn’t fail to bring to the table the jampacked schedule that Femke had in the last 2 years. Green stated, “

She’s had a tough two years, pushing herself to the max with the mixed relays, the 4×4, the 400 hurdles, and running the 400 flat indoors.”

The track and field pundit continued by saying, “Giving herself a little rest at this point was probably a good idea for her and her team. Especially with the World Championships being so late in the year.” But that doesn’t mean that Green puts Klaver’s rise off the table either. In fact, he recognizes that while Bol is focusing on long-term goals, her absence from individual races might prove to be the perfect hunting ground for Klaver. It will also give her an opportunity to set her feet firmly in the 400-meter category.

The upcoming European Championships could be her moment to shine. And if her recent performances are any indication, she is more than ready. Meanwhile, Femke Bol’s decision to take a step back could set the stage for a fiery showdown later in the year. The Dutch duo will inevitably clash once again on the outdoor circuit. But until then, Klaver is making her mark, and the world is taking notice.