Already an Olympic champion in Rio in 2016, Nafissatou Thiam confirmed her title at the Tokyo Games by winning gold in the heptathlon. The Belgian Noor Vidts missed a podium place by just a few points.
© Belga
The heptathlon is certainly the most demanding discipline in athletics, undoubtedly dedicated to the most all-round athletes. Competitors compete in the 100m hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200m, long jump, javelin and finally the 800m.
Naffisatou Thiam therefore becomes the first Belgian athlete to retain her Olympic title in the same discipline since the beginning of the 20th century. Particularly moved as she crossed the finish line of the 800m, the last of the competition's 7 events, she confided that: "It has been a difficult two years, with many ups and downs. I've had physical problems and I wasn't always in the right place mentally either. It has been hard to keep having fun and enjoying. I'm glad I stuck it out and I'm grateful for all the people who have been there for me."
Her fellow countrywoman, Noor Vidts, was also a welcome Belgian surprise in this Olympic heptathlon. She was only a few points away from the podium, achieving a very respectable fourth place.
For Belgians, Thursday 5 August 2021 will remain forever engraved in golden letters as one of the greatest dates in sporting history!
