NEW YORK, Oct 10 (Reuters) – Dutchwoman Femke Bol announced on Friday that she is switching from the 400m hurdles to the 800m and will start competing in her new event next year. While the 400 metres hurdles world champion has often played second fiddle to the United States' world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone on the Olympic stage, Bol has collected five straight Diamond League titles in her signature event. "I’m really excited to share the next chapter of my career," the four-times Olympic medallist wrote in an Instagram post. "It’s a big change, it’s uncertain and challenging, but I’m ready to put in the work, surrounded by an amazing team and enjoy this new journey." Britain's 800m Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson welcomed her to the event, writing on Instagram: "Can't wait to share the start line." Bol picked up 400m hurdles bronze at the last two Games and helped power the Netherlands to the top of the podium in the 4x400m mixed relay in Paris. She was part of the 2024 silver medal-winning women's relay team as well. Her main 400m hurdles rival, McLaughlin-Levrone, has also recently ventured into new territory, winning the 400m flat event at worlds in Tokyo last month. (Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
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