“It’s just crazy to think we all get to take part in the biggest athletics meeting in the world individually”, said Justien Grillet. “After Berlin, physically maybe we’re all wanting the season to end. But mentally that fourth place at the European championships has given us such a boost that it’s more than compensating our physical fatigue,” Camille Laus added.
“The whirlwind of congratulations we received after Berlin has surprised us,” said Hanne Claes. “Both on social media and in person it was clear that as a young female team and a close-knit bunch of friends we have become an example for young girls."
“During the championships it’s difficult to realise what’s happening. You’re focused on your own performance. It’s only afterwards, at home, when the meaning of that fourth place really starts sinking in,” Cynthia Bollingo explained.
“At the start of the season we were nowhere. Nobody believe in our project but we set our goals. Breaking the Belgian record in the final of the European championships and taking fourth place has exceeded all expectations."
"Now we’re twelfth on the world rankings, so a place in a Olympic final is no longer a distant dream,” Claes continues. “We are all really driven by this project. It’s making us stronger both individually and as a group."
“We would definitely be happy to see more girls join the project. In order to keep performing at a high level, you need at least six members,” said Laus. “Now we were all at the end of our powers in Berlin. After Margo Van Puyvelde’s unfortunate injury we had no margins any more."
“Of course we are inspired by the Belgian Tornados and they give us a lot of advice. In the future we want to work together as much as possible. But we are completely different personalities compared to our male colleagues and we will add our own touch."
27 August, 2018
