Vekemans: “The seed was planted 10 years ago after the Memorial’s Competition for Schools”

2025 is a great year for Elien Vekemans: 4.56 metres on 24 January, 4.61 metres on 17 June, 4.65 metres on 28 June, 4.66 metres on 19 July and 4.73 metres on 13 August. Vekemans keeps raising the bar. “I want to do that again on Friday,” says Vekemans confidently. “It’s been a long and tough season, of course, but I find it very easy to recharge my batteries for a top meeting like the Allianz Memorial Van Damme.”

“The goal on Friday is to confirm that I can consistently jump over aabout 4m60. But of course, I always want to jump higher and higher. When I jumped my record of 4m73, I didn’t feel like I had reached my limit. Around 4m80, you’re close to the medals at the major championships, so that’s getting closer. One day, I want to clear 5 metres. But I still have time; my big goal is the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.”

How does Vekemans explain her great progress this year? “First and foremost, I’ve been spared from injuries. Secondly, I’ve made a lot of progress in terms of technique and speed. And last but not least, I’ve also become mentally stronger: I don’t set any limits for myself in terms of height. You can’t think: will I be able to do it? And I now also know that a jump doesn’t have to be perfect to be successful.”

This is not the first time Vekemans has competed in the Allianz Memorial Van Damme. She was also there last year. “But my “debut” at the Memorial was 10 years ago,” Vekemans reveals. “I took part in the Memorial’s schools’ competition and our school won the relay. I was invited to share the podium with Jonathan Borlée and then we got to watch the meeting from the stands. We were sitting by the pole vaulting and I was immediately hooked. I thought it was cool and wanted to try it myself. That’s where the seed was planted.”

Vekemans’ first sport was gymnastics. “Coordination and body awareness are very important in gymnastics, and that also applies to pole vaulting. During my first training session, my coach said I had a talent for it. I really enjoy it. There’s no better feeling than flying through the air,” laughs Vekemans, who greatly admires Olympic gymnastics Champion Nina Derwael, who recently ended her top-level sporting career and will be honoured at the Allianz Memorial Van Damme on Friday. “If I get the chance, I’d definitely like to have a chat with her. Her mental strength is incredible, I admire that. I’m sure I could learn a lot from her.”