A historical edition of the Memorial Van Damme
The 48th edition of the Memorial Van Damme, a legendary athletics event in Belgium, was one for the history books.
For the first time in its history, the annual event was held over two days instead of one – on 13 and 14 September -- and attracted a plethora of Olympian and Paralympian medallists, including Belgian star para-athletes Léa Bayekula, Maxime Carabin, and Peter Genyn.
But plenty more Belgians were to be admired at the prestigious event which combines the final of the Diamand League with so-called invitational events, which are for athletes not participating in the Diamond League.
An emotional highlight of the event was on Saturday, when Kevin and Jonathan Borlée, twins of Belgium’s most famous running family, called it quits and received a standing ovation in honour of their long and successful careers. Let’s not forget Hanne Claes, who also retired after running her final race at the Memorial on Friday.
Congratulations to all athletes who competed, but especially to Léa Bayekula, who won her 800 metre race, Maxime Carabin for his dominance in the 400 metres, and Elise Vanderelst for setting a new Belgian record on the 1500 metres.