© Courtesy
© Courtesy

Love brewed on track- Femke Bol ties the knot

Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 08.03.26. | 19:05

Their relationship has often reflected the realities of elite sport; moments of triumph and disappointment shared side by side

Two-time world 400m hurdles champion Femke Bol is officially off the market after tying the knot with her longtime partner Ben Broeders in a low-key civil wedding held on Saturday, 21 February 2026.

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The newlyweds kept the ceremony private and only shared the news weeks later, releasing their wedding photos on Friday, 6 March. The couple accompanied the images with a heartfelt caption:

“WE’RE MARRIED, 21.02.2026. Loving you has always felt like home; our civil wedding just made it official.”

Following the announcement, Bol also updated her Instagram name to Femke Broeders Bol, marking the new chapter in her personal life.

Bol and Broeders’ relationship has often reflected the realities of elite sport; moments of triumph and disappointment shared side by side. Their emotional connection was particularly visible during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

On a day when Broeders endured disappointment in his own competition, Bol delivered a spectacular performance to win gold with the Netherlands in the mixed 4x400m relay. Despite his personal setback, the Belgian pole vaulter was among the first to celebrate her victory, proudly supporting her achievement.

In 2025, Bol revealed that she and Broeders were engaged, sharing the news during one of the most successful periods of her career. While her performances on the track continued to capture global attention, the engagement shed light on the personal happiness that has helped fuel her success.

Broeders has played a crucial role in helping Bol cope with the intense expectations that come with being one of the world’s top athletes. Known for her perfectionist mindset, the Dutch star has often spoken about the pressure that accompanies fame and competition.

Having a partner who understands the mental and emotional demands of elite athletics has helped her stay grounded.

While often seen supporting Bol after races, Broeders is also an accomplished athlete. Born in Leuven, Belgium, the 29-year-old has established himself as one of Europe’s top pole vaulters with a personal best of 5.85 meters.

A former gymnast, Broeders transitioned into pole vaulting at a young age and went on to win gold at the 2017 European U23 Championships. He has also been a regular competitor on the Diamond League circuit and recorded a fourth-place finish at the 2016 European Championships.

The couple’s relationship began during the unique circumstances of the 2020 athletics season when the global pandemic created competition “bubbles” that brought athletes closer together. They first met during the Diamond League meets held during that period and immediately clicked.

Their first date was a round of golf, an activity Bol jokingly admitted was not her strong suit, but it set the tone for a relationship built on laughter and shared moments away from the track.

Since then, the pair have balanced demanding training schedules with quiet time together, from vacations in Sicily to supporting each other at competitions.


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