The Memorial receives a virtual visit from Ivo Van Damme

The anniversary edition of the Allianz Memorial Van Damme pays tribute to Ivo van Damme, the man whose name was posthumously given to the meeting. In the campaign movie for this 50th edition, Ivo himself takes on the leading role. He finds himself in 2026 at stadium, where he looks on with approval at what has become of the idea he once planted with a group of journalists: a major international athletics meeting in Brussels.

Anniversary programme highlights 50th edition

During the 50th edition of the Allianz Memorial Van Damme, and in the lead-up to the event, a wide range of initiatives will be rolled out to highlight this milestone anniversary.

Gressier targets one-hour record, Kimeli sets sights on 26-year-old Belgian record

The Allianz Memorial Van Damme will celebrate its 50th edition this year and will once again host the Diamond League Final. As a result, just like in 2024, the Memorial will take place over two competition days. The event is scheduled for Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. Special sporting highlights for spectators will include record attempts by Jimmy Gressier and Isaac Kimeli.

World Record Holder Mahuchikh aims for Fifth Victory in Brussels

Yaroslava Mahuchikh will be one of the stars at the 50th edition of the Allianz Memorial Van Damme on Friday 4 September. The 24-year-old Ukrainian is the world record holder and reigning Olympic Champion in the high jump and will be cheered on in Brussels. Mahuchikh has already won four times at the King Baudouin Stadium and is aiming for a fifth victory this year.

Allianz Memorial Van Damme 2026: a double celebration edition featuring Mondo Duplantis

The Allianz Memorial Van Damme is celebrating its 50th edition this year and will once again serve as the two-day final of the Diamond League. The anniversary year already kicks off with great news: Mondo Duplantis will be competing on 4 September!

Honouring Ivo Van Damme, 49 Years On

Today marks exactly 49 years since the tragic passing of Ivo Van Damme, one of Belgium’s greatest middle-distance runners and a true sporting legend.

This is the 2026 Wanda Diamond League Calendar – with a two-day final in Brussels!

Yavi sets World Record in new One Mile Steeplechase, Jefferson-Wooden new Sprint Queen of Brussels

Winfred Yavi added some spice to the 49th Allianz Memorial Van Damme by setting a world record in the one mile steeplechase, a brand-new athletics discipline. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden confirmed her position as the fastest woman of 2025 in the 100 metres... and can now also call herself the new sprint queen of Brussels.

Three Belgian Records at 49th Allianz Memorial Van Damme!

Naomi Van den Broeck in the 400 metres hurdles, Jana Van Lent in the 5000 metres and Ruben Querinjean in the 3000 metres steeplechase set Belgian records at the 49th edition of the Allianz Memorial Van Damme. Thomas Carmoy finished an impressive second in the high jump.

Olly Bowman beats Average Rob and Arno the Kid in Turbo Sprint

They didn't go below 10 seconds, but it was certainly a memorable spectacle with plenty of showmanship. YouTube phenomenon Average Rob organised the first ever 100-metre Turbo Sprint during the Allianz Memorial Van Damme. Belgium's most famous content creator finished second in this “World Cup for content creators” behind Australian Olly Bowman.