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Gymnast Nina Derwael pictured during the opening ceremony of the 49th edition of the Memorial Van Damme Diamond League athletics event in Brussels, Friday 22 August 2025. BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR
Brussels

Allianz Memorial Van Damme Treats Nina Derwael to Formidable Standing Ovation

Top gymnast Nina Derwael, who recently announced her retirement from top-level sport, was the guest of honour at the 49th Allianz Memorial Van Damme on Friday evening. During a lap of honour in an open carriage, Derwael received a standing ovation from the crowd at the King Baudouin Stadium.

A little over a month ago, Derwael announced her retirement from top-level sport. More than 20 years of gymnastics, including ten years at the highest level, earned her a total of 11 medals (8 gold) at major championships.

Derwael became Olympic Champion in Tokyo (2021) on the uneven bars and World Champion in the same discipline in 2018 and 2019. She is also a four-time European Champion, including once on the balance beam. She has two routines to her name and has won just about every sports award there is to win in Belgium, including the title of Sportswoman of the Year three times (2018, 2019, 2021).

After the lap of honour in the carriage, Derwael was honoured by Kim Gevaert, the Meeting Director of the Allianz Memorial Van Damme, to the tones of Stromae’s global hit “Formidable”. Flemish Minister of Sport Annick De Ridder presented Derwael with an artistic gift.