Belgium wins 3 medals in the European athletics championships
Belgium won 3 medals at the European athletics championships in Amsterdam. Thomas Van der Plaetsen and the Belgian Tornados both won a gold medal. Discus thrower Philip Milanov had to be content with 2nd place. He received the silver medal.
In the decathlon Thomas Van der Plaetsen was the first ever Belgian to win a gold medal at the European athletics championships. This Belgian athlete performed particularly well in the jumping events. In the conclusive 1,500 metres round 14th place was enough to bring him victory. His amazing performance in the decathlon was unexpected, as only a year and half ago he was struck down with testicular cancer. This victory is also his ticket to the Olympic Games in Brazil, where he hopes to break his own personal record.
Moreover, the Belgian Tornados, featuring the Borlée brothers and Julien Watrin, won the men's 4x400 metre relay. For a moment it looked like the team would have to make do with second place, but the powers of Kevin Borlée were not to be underestimated. Indeed, in a final spurt he managed to overtake Poland, the top favourite. For Jonathan and Kevin Borlée this golden medal gives hope for the future having both failed to meet expectations at the EC.
Finally, Bruges-born Philip Milanov became vice-European champion in discus throwing. He owes his position to his consistent performance. As he said himself his performance was not spectacular, meaning that he had to be content with 2nd place. His performance at the EC raises hopes for a good performance at the Olympic Games.