That was my impression. Meuwly has wanted her to try the 800 for a few years. Bol mentioned that in several Diamond League press conferences. She was reluctant and would say things like, "Stop putting ideas in his head. It's too far for me."
Apparently she doesn't like sprint training. I think that played a major role in the switch. Bol realizes she won't have to do as much short sprint work while preparing for 800. Also, the 800 probably provides an additional Olympic cycle. As 400 hurdler she would be prime through 2028 but in serious decline upon Brisbane 2032. A middle distance event has considerably greater prospect of extending four more years, other than greater risk of injury. Bol is not the most agile. I expect she will fall more than once if she sticks to 800.
The Dutch travel to South Africa three times every season...after Thanksgiving, after New Year's, and after indoor season. They are transparent on Instagram. I suspect that's when we'll get a glimpse of Bol's training regimen, especially if she and Saalberg are doing one thing and the pure 400 group something else. Normally the 400 group does lots of hills training.
Netherlands media always travel to South Africa briefly and do articles and videos on the Meuwly group. This topic will certainly be a focus.
Agree with the above.
If you've seen Femke train, you'll realise that they won't have to adjust her training too much to transition up to the 800 next year. I'm pretty confident (after watching her train) that she could have run 1:57-58 this season in a one off 800 (more of a time trial type race). From my perspective all they need to change is the hurdle workout day (Friday) and adjust the speed of their speed endurance day (Wednesday).
Her biggest challenge will be learning to navigate the heats and learning how to run tactically. 400m athletes that step up tend to switch off a little from 400-600 and then struggle to regain their rhythm over the last 200, so that's the main area I would focus on if I was in her team. Using some of the queues she has for her stride pattern in the 400H will help. A very simple trick could be the work 20m the relay exchange zone at 500m by taking a take a few forceful strides.
JR
ex coach of Hoey, but would be more happy to add another Bol in to the mix :)
Perhaps you kids are forgetting your history. This has been done before. Doesn’t anyone remember the great Alberto Juantorena from Cuba. Oly Golds in 400 and 800m. Someone needs to go research how he trained, or better, ring him up if he’s still alive. I know this is a distance site, but the 800 doesn’t need to be a distance-trained event.
Thanks, i hadn't heard of him before, it was really neat to watch on youtube.