Tokyo World Athletics Championships 2025: Women’s 400m Hurdles – Femke Bol Leads a Star-Studded Field

By: Denise N. Fyffe

The women’s 400m hurdles has become one of the most fiercely competitive and thrilling events in athletics, with records tumbling and new stars rising year after year. At the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships, the event promises another showdown featuring Olympic medalists, Diamond League champions, and national record holders all gunning for glory.

Femke Bol: The Dutch Dominator

Leading the charge is Femke Bol, who will attempt to defend her world title, two years after her triumph in Budapest 2023 (51.70)—the fourth-fastest time of her career. Bol’s consistency has set her apart; she is the only athlete this year to dip under the 52-second barrier, winning Diamond League titles in Chorzow (51.91) and Monaco (51.95).

The Dutch superstar, already a two-time European champion (Munich 2022, Rome 2024), has also won Olympic bronze medals in Tokyo (52.03) and Paris (52.15). Bol has run seven of the eight fastest times of 2025, firmly establishing herself as the woman to beat.

USA’s Power Trio: Cockrell, Muhammad, and Jones

The United States boasts an exceptional trio of contenders.

Anna Cockrell enters Tokyo after her breakthrough Olympic silver medal in Paris 2024 (51.87 PB). She has shown strong form this season, placing second at the US Championships (52.89) and collecting Diamond League wins in Brussels (56.66) and a third-place finish in Monaco (52.91).
Dalilah Muhammad, the 2019 world champion and Olympic gold medalist in 2016, proved she is still a force by winning the US title in Eugene (52.65). Her Diamond League campaign was equally impressive, with wins in Oslo (53.34) and podium finishes in Stockholm (52.91) and Monaco (52.58).
Rising star Jasmine Jones, the 2024 NCAA champion, finished third at the US Championships (53.23) and secured a strong second-place finish at the London Diamond League.

This powerful American lineup will push Bol to her limits and could well challenge for multiple podium spots.

Canada’s Rising Star: Savannah Sutherland

Canada’s Savannah Sutherland is quickly becoming one of the event’s brightest prospects. After reaching the semifinals in Budapest 2023 and placing seventh in the Paris Olympic final (53.88), she broke through this season with a national record of 52.46 to win the NCAA title in Eugene. Her youth, speed, and confidence make her a genuine medal threat in Tokyo.

The International Contenders

Beyond the Netherlands and the US, a diverse cast of athletes from around the world adds depth to this year’s competition:

Andrenette Knight (Jamaica) – Eighth in Budapest 2023 and winner in Rome (53.67).
Gianna Woodruff (Panama) – Seventh in the Tokyo 2021 Olympic final and second in Brussels this season in 53.89.
Emma Zapletalova (Slovakia) – Runner-up at the Zurich Diamond League with a national record of 53.18.
Noemi Van de Broeck (Belgium) – Third in Brussels, also setting a national record (54.12).
Ayomide Folorunso (Italy) – Sixth at the 2023 World Championships and second in the Rome Diamond League with a 54.21 SB.
Amalie Iuel (Norway) – Set a new national record of 54.38 in Chorzow this season.
Zeney Van der Walt (South Africa) – Continues to improve, clocking 54.25 in Geneva this year.

The Stage is Set for a Record-Breaking Showdown

The Tokyo 2025 final could very well be the fastest in history. With Bol’s brilliance, the American trio’s depth, and a wave of international record-setters, fans can expect fireworks on the track.

The big question: Can Femke Bol extend her reign, or will the Americans and rising stars topple the Dutch queen? One thing is certain—the women’s 400m hurdles in Tokyo will be a race for the ages.

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About the writer: Denise N. Fyffe is a publisher and author for more than 15 years. She has written more than 70 books and enjoys mentoring, gardening and traveling. She is also a trainer and educator, helping others to achieve their dreams.