Femke Bol Shines with Meeting Record as Stars Thrill at FBK Games Hengelo
A packed Fanny Blankers Koen Stadium in Hengelo witnessed a spectacular evening of world-class athletics on Monday, June 9, as home favourite Femke Bol delighted the Dutch fans with a new meeting record in the 400m hurdles, while European champion Kristjan Ceh, double world champion Chase Jackson, and a host of other global stars produced standout performances at the latest stop of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold. Here's a full recap of the highlights:
Women’s 400 metres hurdles:
Femke Bol claimed her third career win in Hengelo’s 400m hurdles, improving her own meeting record to 52.51, eclipsing her previous mark of 53.94 from 2022. Gianna Woodruff (PAN), Olympic finalist, placed second in 54.54, with Emma Zapletalova (SVK) third in 54.71.
Bol: “I really wanted to win in front of the home crowd. I wasn’t thinking of a specific time but wanted a good race — I’m happy it resulted in a meeting record.”
Men’s discus throw:
Kristjan Ceh (SLO), European champion, threw 69.21m in the third round to take victory. He also posted marks of 67.05m, 68.82m, and 67.79m. Olympic bronze medallist Matthew Denny finished second with 67.64m, ahead of Olympic champion Roje Stona (67.19m) and British record holder Lawrence Okoye (66.07m).
Ceh: “70 metres is no longer special — but I’m happy with the preparation and today’s result. We’re building towards Worlds.”
Women’s shot put:
Chase Jackson (USA), two-time world champion, dominated with a season’s best of 20.62m in the opening round. She followed up with marks of 19.71m, 19.77m, 19.49m, 20.05m, and 19.49m. Dutch star Jessica Schilder was second with 20.16m, with Maggie Ewen third (19.48m).
Jackson: “It was my eighth meet over 20 metres. Having no expectations today helped me stay focused.”
Women’s 100 metres hurdles:
Dutch record holder Nadine Visser edged out Marione Fourie (RSA) in a thrilling finish, winning in 12.59 to Fourie’s 12.60. Pia Skrzyszowska (POL) took third in 12.77.
Visser: “I worked on my upper body over the last hurdle. Happy with the win after a hard training block.”
Men’s 110 metres hurdles:
World leader Cordell Tinch (USA) clocked 13.10 to win, holding off Olympic champion Omar McLeod (13.42) and Belgian record holder Michael Obasuyi (13.45).
Tinch: “After some struggles in Rome, I wanted to test my fitness — and today’s 13.10 is a good sign.”
Women’s high jump:
World indoor champion Nicola Olyslagers (AUS) cleared 1.97m on her second attempt to secure victory, before missing at 2.00m. Lamara Distin (JAM) was second with 1.90m.
Olyslagers: “It was great to be back in the Netherlands. This was a good season opener heading into Stockholm.”
Men’s pole vault:
Chris Nilsen (USA) cleared 5.82m on his third attempt to win ahead of KC Lightfoot (5.74m).
Nilsen: “My goal was to jump 5.82m — getting the win was a bonus.”
Men’s 800 metres:
Ireland’s Mark English broke his national record with 1:43.92 to win a thrilling 800m. Yanis Meziane (FRA) and Peyton Craig (AUS) both clocked 1:44.32, with Jakub Duchycha (CZE) fourth in 1:44.78 (national record).
English: “Finally seeing a ‘1:43’ on the clock means so much — it’s a testament to the work we’ve done.”
Women’s 800 metres:
Anais Bourgoin (FRA), fresh from a PB of 1:57.81 in Rabat, won in 1:59.53, holding off Oratile Nowe (BOT) in 1:59.58. Sage Hurta-Klecker (USA) was third (1:59.77), ahead of Abbey Caldwell (AUS, 2:00.11).
Women’s 3000 metres steeplechase:
Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai (UGA) cruised to victory in 9:07.79.
Chemutai: “The crowd gave me energy — this was a great race to confirm my shape ahead of Paris.”
Women’s 200 metres:
Anavia Battle (USA), after her Diamond League wins, took the 200m in 22.75 (-0.5 m/s). Julia Henriksson (SWE) was second (23.10), followed by Minke Bisschops (23.14) and Lieke Klaver (23.40).
Men’s long jump:
Gerson Baldé (POR) surprised the field with an 8.07m jump to defeat world indoor bronze medallist Liam Adcock (AUS, 7.97m).
Men’s 100 metres:
Elvis Afrifa (NED) edged a close finish, winning in 10.25 ahead of Benjamin Richardson (RSA, 10.28), Henrik Larsson (SWE, 10.29), and Ronnie Baker (USA, 10.30).
Men’s 400 metres:
Dutch U23 star Jonas Phijffers broke the national U23 record with 44.93 to win the 400m.
