More big names join the London Athletics Meet on July 19
Multiple world champion Femke Bol, a triple medallist at the 2024 Olympic Games, will compete in the 400m hurdles at the London Athletics Meet on Saturday July 19, where the Dutch athlete be joined by British stars Molly Caudery and Morgan Lake.
The 25-year-old Bol boasts an exceptional Diamond League record — undefeated since her debut in 2021 — and an outstanding record in the British capital, where she set a Diamond League best of 51.30 in 2024, eclipsing the 51.45 mark she’d set at the London Stadium 12 months previously.
Bol set a European record of 50.95 in Switzerland last summer, taking half a second off her lifetime best. She went on to win 4x400m mixed relay gold, 4x400m silver and 400m hurdles bronze at the Olympic Games in Paris, bettering the individual bronze she won in Tokyo in 2021.
Her medal haul in recent years has been impressive. Double silver at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon (400m hurdles and 4x400m mixed relay) was followed by a hat-trick of gold medals at the European Championships later that summer (400m, 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay). She improved further in 2023, winning double gold in the 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
In 2024, she was crowned Diamond League champion for the fourth successive year, concluding another successful year of competition that included lowering her own world indoor record to take the global 400m title in Glasgow in March (49.17) in addition to winning double gold at the European Championships (400m hurdles and 4x400m relay).
“My first run in London in 2023 was a dream come true, and to go even quicker in 2024 was incredible, there is just something so special about competing in that stadium,” said Bol, who owns 20 of the 50 quickest 400m hurdles marks of all time. “I’ve been training well and I’m so motivated for the summer ahead. The thought of competing in the London Diamond League — which is one of my favourite races on the circuit — just gives me such a buzz. The last two years were magical and my performances gave me such a boost. I can’t wait to get back out there, to feel the energy from the crowd, and to leave it all on the track.”
Fresh from a strong indoor campaign, Caudery will return to London brimming with confidence. The 24-year-old from Cornwall became the first British woman in history to win a global pole vault title when she soared to World Indoor gold in Glasgow last year, before securing European silver in Rome three months later. With a lifetime best of 4.92m and victories at several key international meets, Caudery has established herself as a firm home favourite for the London meet.
“Winning gold in Glasgow was beyond anything I imagined — the support from the home crowd was unforgettable,” said Caudery. “To be back competing in London this summer is such a huge motivation for me. I’m in a good place physically and mentally, and I just want to keep building on what I’ve achieved so far. Vaulting in front of a packed stadium again will be such a special moment.”
Three-time Olympian and British record-holder Morgan Lake is also confirmed for the high jump in London. The 27-year-old has enjoyed some strong results, finishing fourth at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest and representing Team GB at last summer’s Olympic Games. With a national record of 1.99m and consistent performances around the high jump circuit, Lake arrives in London aiming to entertain her home crowd.
“Competing in front of a home crowd always brings out the best in me,” said Lake. “The energy is unbelievable and I’m excited to be part of such an incredible line-up this year. I’m looking forward to building well throughout the season.
“I always look forward to competing in the London stadium – everything about it is world-class,” said Lake. “I’m enjoying my new training set up and I’m aiming high again this year, and I know London will be another important step on that journey.”
This year’s London Athletics Meet is almost sold out. Less than 500 tickets are available, with prices starting from £25 for adults and £5 for juniors.
