Lieke Klaver: "Hopefully I can make the crowd in Hengelo proud."

Lieke Klaver is coming to Hengelo. On Sunday, June 21, 2026, she will compete in her “own” 400 meters at the 45th edition of the FBK Games.

In March, the 27-year-old athlete won two medals at the World Indoor Championships in Toruń: an individual bronze and a silver in the women’s 4x400 meter relay. She ran the 400 meters no fewer than five times during the event.

“I’m really looking forward to the outdoor season, and especially to the FBK Games with the home crowd. The indoor season ended with bronze at the World Championships, which I’m very happy with, but I also feel there’s more to come. Hopefully I can show that in Hengelo and make the crowd proud,” said Klaver.

“Lieke has been performing consistently at the world-class level for years and still wants to improve,” said meeting director Ellen van Langen of organizer Global Sports Communication. “Besides her importance in relay teams, she also wants to excel individually in the 400 meters, and I think she’s really motivated to do so at the FBK Games in front of her home crowd.”

“I’m delighted that Lieke Klaver will once again line up this year in her favorite event, the 400 meters,” added meeting director Hans Kloosterman. “We will ensure strong international competition so the audience can enjoy a world-class race. Her participation will please many fans—Lieke is always enthusiastic and engaged, making her an inspiration to many young athletes.”

Klaver has amassed an impressive collection of international medals. She has already won 21 medals at the Olympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships, nine of which are gold. With her personal best of 49.58 set in 2024, she ranks second all-time in the Netherlands in the outdoor 400 meters.