The athletics world has witnessed a thrilling rivalry between two phenomenal stars: Femke Bol and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Femke Bol, a name rapidly ascending in the world of track and field, graced the Brussels Diamond League 2023 with her unparalleled speed. She has been unstoppable in 2023, clinching victory after victory on the Diamond League circuit. As fans reveled in her achievements, they couldn’t help but ponder the void left by the absence of America’s Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.
McLaughlin, the reigning world record holder in the 400m hurdles, and Bol, the European champion, have cultivated a rivalry that has captivated the world. However, as the Diamond League unfolded in Monaco, McLaughlin-Levrone’s absence was palpable due to a knee injury, as advised by her doctors. Despite her incredible achievements and recent win, Bol faced backlash from Levrone’s fans after comfortably registering her fifth Diamond League win.
Femke Bol clinches another Diamond League win
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At the Brussels Diamond League in 2023, Bol secured the women’s 400-meter hurdles in an impressive 52.11 seconds. This blazing 400-meter Dutch hurdler has been an unstoppable force in the Diamond League this year, winning all five of her races. Earlier, in London too, she set a Diamond League record with a time of 51.45 seconds, the third-fastest ever. Bol also clinched gold at the World Championships in Budapest, making her the first Dutch woman to win this title. Her dominance is undeniable, with commanding victories and a clear path in track and field without her American rival.
🇳🇱Femke Bol untouchable in the 400mH all year!#BrusselsDL (Via: @NBCOlympics)pic.twitter.com/zbx8S5FVHh
— Travis Miller (@travismillerx13) September 8, 2023
Levrone’s absence from the competition against Femke Bol can be attributed to a significant knee injury. As advised by her doctors, the world leader in the women’s 400m and Olympic and World Champion in the 400m hurdles made the tough decision to focus on the 400m flat this season.
Unfortunately, Levrone had to withdraw from the Monaco Diamond League due to this knee issue. This unfortunate injury not only sidelined one of the world’s top athletes but also left fans longing for a thrilling face-off between McLaughlin-Levrone and Bol. As Bol clinched her fifth win at the Diamond League, Levrone’s fans were left riled.
Fans go berzerk with the absence of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone
As track and field fans marveled at Bol’s meteoric rise, they couldn’t help but voice their thoughts on the absence of McLaughlin-Levrone.
One fan humorously remarked,
She hasn’t raced syd lol
— Ben Herbst (@ben_herbst21) September 8, 2023
Another devoted supporter chimed in, asserting,
Syd would’ve jogged that
— Dakari (@dakarihill1) September 8, 2023
Amidst the banter, an insightful fan pondered,
At this point she is competing against herself. She has no competition.
— Msmercury (@msmercuryop) September 8, 2023
An admirer declared,
Only because the “real champion” hasn’t come yet!
— Sun Valley T&F (@SunValleyTF23) September 8, 2023
And one more fan, missing the presence of Sydney McLaughlin, expressed,
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I guess she benefitted from Sydney’s injury the most.
— LisaRoberts (@LisaRob39977527) September 8, 2023
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While Bol’s dominance and remarkable achievements cannot be denied, it is McLaughlin-Levrone’s absence that has made fans appreciate the fierce yet friendly rivalry that has defined this league.
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