Olympic athletics are in full swing in Tokyo on Monday and there were mixed fortunes for Dutch competitors.

As expected, Femke Bol qualified convincingly for the 400 metres hurdles final. Bol, who set one of the fastest times ever in Stockholm in July, is considered a medal candidate for the event. The final takes place on Wednesday.

Liemarvin Bonevacia has become the first ever Dutch man to reach an Olympic final in the 400 metres, setting a new Dutch record of 44.62 in the process. Bonevacia qualified as one of the two fastest losers.

The Dutch women’s hockey team has also reached the semi-finals with a simple 3-0 win over New Zealand. They will meet either Spain or Britain, who play their semi-final later on Monday.

There was disappointment, however, for Dafne Schippers who failed to qualify for the final of the 200 metres. ‘I fought so hard to be here, and you hope for a miracle,’ she said after the race. Schippers, who was world champion in 2017, has been dealing with back trouble and has had an unsuccessful season.