Liège (St Lambert Square – High Jump), Ostend (Square of the Sea Heroes – Discus Throw), Ghent (Kouter – Pole Vault) and Antwerp (Groenplaats – Long Jump). The AG Urban Memorial Van Damme Series brings high level athletics to the heart of the cities, on historical locations. In Brussels, the track was built at Square St Catherine, known to locals as the “Fish Market”.
The track was partially constructed in the water of the Anspach fountain which caused the illusion of sprinters almost literally soaring above the water. The finish line lay in front of St Catherine Church. Heats were run from 1:30 p.m., finals started at 4:00 p.m. In between 16 Special Olympics athletes competed in their events, while the crowd could also enjoy a BMX-demonstration. Throughout the afternoon a Kids Athletics Program was held in collaboration with Excelsior Athletics Club and directed by Elodie Ouedraogo.
In the AG Sprint Experience all those who were interested could give it a try in a 50m dash. The 8 fastest men and women of all these AG Urban Memorial Van Damme Series are invited to compete in the final on Sep. 1st at the AG Memorial Van Damme to earn the title of fastest man/woman in Belgium !
NETHERLANDS ON TOP
In the 100m Jonathan Borlée was the fastest sprinter of the family (10”47), but he was narrowly beaten by Giovanni Codrington (NED) in 10”43. Kévin Borlée ran 10”57, Dylan Borlée 10”61. The brothers will compete in the 400m next Friday.
The national race was won by Gaylord Kuba (10”56), ahead of Victor Hofmans (10”67) and Adam Kalmen (10”85). Elise Mehuys won the Women’s event in 12”02, ahead of Camille Laus (12”12) and Orphée Depuydt (12”22).
Dutchwoman Sharona Bakker won the 100m Hurdles (13”23) ahead of Anne Zagré (BEL) in 13”24. Sarah Missinne (13”85) came in third. Also a close finish in the Men’s 110m Hurdles. Koen Smet (NED) was the fastest in 13”79, while Dario De Borger (13”81) and Dylan Caty (14”41) finished in second and third place.
SHOT PUT AT SQUARE DE LA MONNAIE NEXT THURSDAY
On Aug. 31st the IAAF Diamond League Final in the Shot Put will take place at Square de la Monnaie. On Friday 15 more Diamond League Finals will be held in the King Baudouin Stadium. Another Belgian Tornado Robin Vanderbemden will compete in the 200m, while Nafi Thiam is in the Final of the Women’s High Jump.
