Amalie Iuel, the Danish-Norwegian 400 metres hurdler, is preparing for her season debut in Kenya as part of an African tour that includes a pre-camp in South Africa and the Continental Tour Gold meeting in Nairobi. The athlete, who turned 32 in April 2024, expressed nervousness ahead of the competition but framed it as a positive sign of her commitment to performance. Her coach, Leif Olav Alnes, has consistently reminded her that feeling nervous is a sign of caring deeply about the sport, a perspective she has come to appreciate.
Iuel’s return to Nairobi holds particular significance, as she previously recorded a personal best time of 54.80 seconds at the same venue during the 2023 season. That performance marked a strong comeback after her engagement to former alpine skier Aksel Lund Svindal and the birth of their son, Storm, in September 2023. She went on to improve her personal best to 54.28 seconds in September 2025, a time that currently ranks her among the top 10 women in the world in the 400 metres hurdles according to World Athletics.
The Continental Tour Gold meeting in Nairobi, scheduled for Friday at 17:04 local time, will feature Iuel alongside four other Norwegian athletes: Elisabeth Slettum and Josefine Tomine Eriksen Aks in the 400 metres hurdles and 400 metres respectively, Lakeri Ertzgaard in the 400 metres, and Beatrice Nedberge Llano in the hammer throw. The event will be broadcast on VG+ Sport starting at 16:50, offering international viewers access to the competition held at approximately 1,800 metres above sea level.
Iuel highlighted the unique conditions of the Nairobi track, noting the thinner air at altitude reduces air resistance, which she described as creating a “kinder” running experience. She also praised the energetic atmosphere generated by local crowds, emphasizing how their support contributes to a vibrant and motivating environment for competitors. This combination of favorable physical conditions and enthusiastic spectatorship has made the venue a recurring point of success in her career.
Following her participation in the Nairobi meeting and the South African pre-camp, Iuel is set to join the Norwegian team for the World Athletics Relays Championships in Botswana, where the nation is targeting medal contention in the 4×400 metres relay. Her versatility extends beyond the individual hurdles event, as evidenced by her personal best of 3:13.64 in the mixed 4×400 metres relay, set in June 2025, and her experience in sprint medley and short-track relay competitions.
Born on 17 April 1994 in Aalborg, Denmark, Iuel moved to Norway at age two and spent much of her childhood there before her family relocated internationally due to her father’s work with Telenor, living in Namibia, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Thailand. It was during her time at the International School Bangkok that she began taking track and field seriously under the guidance of coach Ugo Costessi, who introduced her to the 400 metres hurdles. She later competed collegiately for the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans, where she set Danish and Norwegian under-23 records in 2015.
Iuel represented Norway at the 2015 World Championships in Athletics in the women’s 400 metres hurdles but was eliminated in the heats. Since then, she has achieved multiple top-eight finishes at World and European Championships, won a Diamond League meeting, and earned a bronze medal at the World University Games. Her consistent progression reflects a career built on resilience, international experience, and a deepening appreciation for the psychological aspects of elite competition.
As she approaches the start line in Nairobi, Iuel’s mindset reflects a matured relationship with pressure—one where nervousness is not suppressed but acknowledged as fuel. Her journey from a young athlete navigating frequent relocations to a seasoned international competitor underscores the interplay between personal stability and athletic performance. With her personal best continuing to evolve and her presence inspiring teammates, the Nairobi outing represents another chapter in a career defined by steady growth and quiet determination.
For updates on Amalie Iuel’s season and future competitions, followers can consult her official World Athletics profile, which is regularly updated with results, rankings, and upcoming event appearances.
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