Femke Bol Breaks Dutch 800m Record in Lausanne Diamond League

Femke Bol Breaks Dutch 800m Record in Lausanne Diamond League

Femke Bol lowered the Dutch 800m record to 1:55.41 in Lausanne on 21 August 2026, finishing second behind Audrey Werro who ran 1:55.33.

Did Femke Bol set a new Dutch 800m record in Lausanne?

Bol’s time of 1:55.41 eclipsed the previous national mark she had matched at the European Championships in Birmingham on 20 August, where she ran 1:55.54 for bronze. The new record places her 18th on the all-time Dutch list and shows the depth of her transition from 400-metre hurdles to the middle-distance event.

The race unfolded with Werro taking an early lead, while Bol stayed close behind. In the final 200 metres, Bol pushed hard but could not overtake Werro, who maintained a narrow margin. Bol’s performance was praised as a “valuable experience” that reinforced her belief she can compete with the best.

What does the record mean for her Olympic ambitions?

Bol announced that she will focus on the 800m in pursuit of Olympic gold at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. She said the European Championships gave her confidence and that she must trust herself, push beyond the 500-metre mark and enjoy the race. Her switch to the 800m follows her world title in the 400-metre hurdles in Tokyo last autumn.

The Dutch record gives her a strong psychological edge heading into the next season. She now has a benchmark that will help her gauge progress against the world’s elite. Her goal is to break the 1:55 barrier again and position herself for a podium finish in Los Angeles.

What is next for Femke Bol?

Bol is set to race in Zurich next week against a field that includes Audrey Werro, Keely Hodgkinson, and Georgia Hunter Bell. Bell, who has won the 1500m European title and the Commonwealth 800m gold, is looking to test herself against the “big three” of Werro, Hodgkinson and Bol. The Zurich meet could bring a fast-paced 800m that might approach the world record of 1:53.28.

In addition, Bol is part of the conversation for a potential “big five” clash that could take place at the Ultimate Championships in Budapest next month. A $150,000 prize will be on the line, and the athletes are eager to showcase their speed.

How does her time stack up against the elite?

• Femke Bol’s record time is only 0.08 seconds slower than Werro’s winning time in Lausanne.
• The Dutch record now sits 18th on the all-time list.
• Werro’s 1:53.80 in Stockholm remains the third fastest time in history.
• The world record of 1:53.28 set in 1983 still stands.