Track star Femke Bol reveals slow training pace despite record-breaking run

Dutch track and field star Femke Bol shattered her personal best and the national record in the 800 meters at the Diamond League event in Zurich, clocking in at 1:54.71. This impressive performance placed her ninth on the all-time women's 800m list.

However, the victory was not hers. Audrey Werro of Switzerland won the race with a time of 1:53.70, also setting a new Swiss national record and solidifying her third position on the all-time list. The competition was exceptionally strong, with multiple athletes achieving remarkable times.

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My endurance is so bad for an 800-meter runner.

Following the race, Bol made a surprising confession during the interview area. She admitted that her endurance, crucial for an 800-meter runner, is still a weak point. She disclosed her training pace for long runs is around 5:30 per kilometer, and her threshold pace is about 4:20 on a good day. "I know it's slow, but I have to increase my training volume," she told reporters.

Bol's rapid rise in the 800 meters is notable, as she switched from the 400-meter hurdles to this new discipline approximately a year ago. Her previous achievements include winning the 400m hurdles world championship in Budapest in 2023 and an Olympic bronze medal in Paris in 2024. She has also secured multiple European Championship gold medals and world championship titles with Dutch relay teams.

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My kilometer pace is 5.30 on long runs. My threshold pace is 4.20 on a good day. I know it's slow, but I have to increase my training volume.