Belgium celebrates record medals at world indoor athletics in Glasgow

Belgium returned from the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Glasgow with a record four medals and second position in the overall rankings, reports RTBF.

A record delegation from the country notched up three gold and one bronze medal in Scotland over the weekend.

Belgium’s first success came on Friday evening when Noor Vidts defended her world title in the pentathlon. The athlete from Vilvoorde became the first to be crowned the multi-event world champion twice in a row after racking up 4,773 points.

It was 400m runner Alexander Doom who then stepped up onto the podium’s top place when he finished in 42.25 seconds on Saturday. The Roeselare sprinter achieved his first indoor victory against world record holder Norwegian Karsten Warholm.

Doom played a crucial role in Belgium taking gold in the men's 4x400m relay on Sunday evening. It was in the thrilling final lap that he overtook the US to win by 0.06 seconds,repeating the same tactic he applied in the individual final. Sitting on the shoulder of the leader, US anchor runner Christopher Bailey, the champion kicked off the final bend to triumphantly defend Belgium’s title. Celebration ensued with fellow Tornados team members Jonathan Sacoor, Dylan Borlée and Christian Iguacel (pictured).

“The guys put me in the perfect position,” commented Doom, who clocked the fastest split of the race (44.88) during the final leg. “I knew there was something possible at the end. I felt a little bit tired after the last few days. But I had a strong kick at the end, so I am really happy,” he told World Athletics.

It was middle-distance runner Elliot Crestan who added a bronze to Belgium’s haul when he finished 3rd in the 800m in 1:45.32. The Namur athlete thereby matched his position in the indoor European championships in Istanbul last year.

After this world-class warm-up in Scotland, the athletes will be hoping to repeat their success in the Olympic Games in Paris this summer.

Photo: ©Belga/Benoît Doppagne