Belgian Waffles crowned world champions in the mixed 4 × 400 m relay
At the World Indoor Athletics Championships, the Belgian mixed relay team led the race from start to finish to claim the world title.
Our Belgian athletes shone during this twenty‑first edition of the World Indoor Athletics Championships, held in Toruń, a Polish city located on the Vistula River in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship.
For the first time, the mixed relay appeared on the programme of the competition. This event had already been contested at last year’s European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn, where Julien Watrin, Imke Vervaet, Christian Iguacel and Helena Ponette won the silver medal behind the Netherlands.
Recognised specialists in relay events, much like the Belgian Tornados and their 23 international medals, the Belgians reached the final with high ambitions. Their team was composed of Helena Ponette, Ilana Hanssens, Julien Watrin and Jonathan Sacoor.
Right from the start, first-leg runner Jonathan Sacoor moved into the lead before handing the baton over to Hanssens in first place. The young Belgian maintained the advantage with a solid margin. Third runner Julien Watrin kept the comfortable lead intact before passing the baton to Helena Ponette, who finished the race brilliantly. The Belgian Waffles claimed victory in this mixed 4 × 400 m relay with an impressive time of 3:15.60!
Spain and Poland (following the disqualification of Jamaica) completed the podium on which the Belgians celebrated their triumph.