Dutch hurdler sensation Femke Bol is among the 10 standout athletes nominated for the prestigious Women’s European Athlete of the Year award, as the countdown to the Golden Tracks gala on October 26 in Skopje, North Macedonia, begins.
This highly anticipated event will celebrate Europe’s top athletics stars, with fans playing a crucial role in determining the winners, as their votes will account for 25% of the final decision.
Alongside input from media, federations, and experts, the race to crown Europe’s best female athlete is more intense than ever.
Why Femke Bol is in no rush to follow Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone into fully transitioning into flat 400m running.
In a year marked by world records, stunning comebacks, and dominant performances, the nominees represent a variety of disciplines, making this one of the most diverse and exciting line-ups in recent memory.
Femke Bol, with her commanding performances in the 400m hurdles and the flat 400m, has been nothing short of sensational. Her consistency and tenacity throughout the 2024 season, coupled with her string of victories on the global stage, have made her one of the brightest stars in European athletics.
Joining Bol on the list of nominees is fellow Dutch superstar Sifan Hassan a phenomenon in middle- and long-distance running.
Hassan’s versatility is unparalleled, with breathtaking performances across a range of distances, from the 1500m on the track to the marathon on the roads.
Another name that shines bright among the nominees is Keely Hodgkinson, the British 800m sensation.
Hodgkinson has had a phenomenal year, consistently proving her mettle in one of the most competitive events in athletics.
Her tactical brilliance and blistering speed have seen her reach the podium at multiple international events in 2024, establishing her as a true star of middle-distance running.
With her fearless racing style and growing fan base, Hodgkinson stands as one of the top contenders for the title.
Keely Hodgkinson is aiming to break the 41-year-old women's 800m world record that was set by Jarmila Kratochvilova in 1983.
However, the competition is fierce, with a wealth of talent across various disciplines.
Nafissatou Thiam, the Belgian heptathlete, continues to be a dominant force in multi-events.
Thiam, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, remains untouchable in the heptathlon, combining power, speed, and technical prowess to remain at the top of her game.
In the field events, Ukraine’s high jump prodigy Yaroslava Mahuchikh is another strong contender.
Mahuchikh has consistently cleared the two-meter mark this season, dominating her discipline and securing victories on the world stage
Michael Johnson is preparing for the Grand Slam Track League focusing on long-term success and securing the right broadcaster.
Also vying for the award is Malaika Mihambo, the German long jump champion, who has continued to assert her dominance in her event.
Mihambo’s extraordinary leaps and consistent top-tier performances have earned her numerous accolades, and she remains a crowd favorite for her thrilling ability to deliver when it matters most.
The list is rounded out by sprinter Natalia Kaczmarek of Poland, Italy’s middle-distance talent Nadia Battocletti, French hurdler Cyrena Samba-Mayela and Germany’s Yemisi Ogunleye, all of whom have had standout seasons in their respective disciplines.