3 new Hall of Fame members inducted during gala dinner

The Allianz Memorial Van Damme can look back on a rich history dating back to 1977. In order to honour the athletes gracing the event with brilliant performances over the years, the organisers decided to introduce a Hall of Fame in 2017.

In the late 80s to early 90s Jackie Joyner-Kersee was one of the major draws at the memorial. In 1987 (7m07) and 1994 (7m11) the American won the long jump competition. She also passed the seven-metre barrier in 1986 (7m12) and1992 (7m00) when she finished second behind German Heike Drechsler, who was previously inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Kenyan Daniel Komen established a new 5,000 metres world record at the Memorial of 1997. Later that evening his compatriot Paul Tergat broke the world record of the 10,000 metres.

A total of 15 athletes now form part of the Allianz Memorial Van Damme Hall of Fame. In addition to Paul Tergat, Daniel Komen, Jackie-Joyner Kersee and Heike Drechsler they also include Mike Powell, Blanka
Vlasic, Willie Banks, Gail Devers, Sebastian Coe, Steve Cram, Merlene Ottey, Hicham El Guerrouj, Kim Gevaert, Tia Hellebaut and Wilfried Meert.