Keely Hodgkinson Shares Crucial Advice with Longtime Friend Femke Bol After Bold 800m Switch

Reigning Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson has backed longtime friend Femke Bol to do well in the two-lap race after her announcement on Friday, October 10.

Femke Bol, the reigning 400m hurdles world champion, announced that starting next season, she will be competing in the 800m.

The Olympic 400m hurdles bronze medallist has consistently impressed in the event, often emerging as Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s closest challenger.

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However, she has remained in the world record holder’s shadow, a situation she will be eager to change as she sets out to make her mark.

“The next chapter: 800m ❤️‍🔥. I’m really excited to share the next chapter of my career✨ 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,” Femke Bol shared in a post on her Instagram page.

World 800m bronze medallist Keely Hodgkinson was among the first people to know that Femke Bol would make the bold move, revealing that the Dutch woman texted her first before posting on social media.

Keely Hodgkinson lauded Femke Bol, who has little to no experience in middle-distance running, for making such a bold step.

She expressed confidence about Femke Bol doing well in the two-lap race despite the tough competition awaiting her. Keely Hodgkinson believes that Femke Bol just has to learn how to run with people close to her and a few other tricks, and all will be well.

“She actually texted me before she posted it…We are really good friends, we’ve been friends for a long time, and I really respect our friendship,” Keely Hodgkinson said in an interview with Citius Mag.

“I think it’s really brave and courageous to be honest…I don’t think Femke has any experience in the middle distance, so to want to take that step and come into an event that has been fiery in the last couple of years, I commend her for wanting to do that.

“I wish her all the best, and I think she has the talent to do really well in the 800m. It might take time to get up, learn the event, because she has never run with people around her trying to disrupt your race, but I think she’ll smash it.”

As Femke Bol embarks on this bold new chapter in her career, she carries not only her remarkable talent but also the support of friends and fellow champions like Keely Hodgkinson.

Keely Hodgkinson’s words to Femke Bol reflect both admiration and belief in her friend’s potential. As one of the world’s best in the 800m, Keely Hodgkinson understands the challenge ahead but is confident that Femke Bol’s talent, courage, and work ethic will see her thrive in the new event.