Noor Vidts was crowned world champion after winning gold in the pentathlon of the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade.
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At 25 years old, the European runner-up landed the first big international title of her career, confirming her talent. The young woman is only the second Belgian, men and women included, to win an indoor global title. She follows Tia Hellebaut, who won gold in Valencia in 2008.
Her win isn’t without former merit. She revealed herself as one of the best newcomers at the European Athletics Championships in Torun (silver medal) and the Tokyo Olympic Games (coming in 4th place). The Belgian was one of the favourites for the pentathlon, and she certainly seized the opportunity. Noor surpassed all expectations, winning at the hurdles, the shot put, and the final event, the 800 m race. She came second in the high jump and long jump events. Her efforts bagged her three personal records (on the 60 m hurdles, long jump, and in the 800 m race). With a total of 4,929 points, she finished 25 points ahead of the Belgian record of 4904 points, which was set by Nafi Thiam during the European Championships.
This new title is testament to the skill of this young athlete, who hails from Vilvoorde (Flemish Brabant). She’s calm and reserved, but she’s also determined. As well as her career, Noor is continuing her bioengineering studies at KU Leuven, and already has a wonderful summer ahead of her. The athlete is impatiently awaiting the World Championships in Eugene in July, and the Munich European Championships in August. There’s no doubt all eyes will be on her.
