“The Memorial is welcoming no less than 41 medal winners from the recent Rio Olympics, including 16 Olympic champions,” says Van Branteghem. “As always the Belgian delegation in Brazil, with six medals and 14 top-eight places, will be celebrated as well.”
The absolute star of the evening will be Nafi Thiam, who won a stunning heptathlon gold medal at the age of 21. The Belgian, who will take part in the high jump competition, will feature in the opening ceremony. The Belgian Red Lions, the hockey team that won silver in Rio, will also be present.
The Memorial will feature two world record attempts. Kenyan Conseslus Kipruto will try to break the 3000m steeplechase record, while Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana will try to become the fastest woman ever over 5000m.
Organiser Wilfried Meert is convinced the Memorial will once again be truly memorable. “In ten disciplines we are still looking for an overall Diamond League winner,” said Meert. “We will see a fierce battle on the men’s 100, 800 and 1500 metres, the high jump and discus and the women’s 400 and 5000 metres, 400 metres hurdles, the long jump and javelin.“
In addition to Olympic champions Nafi Thiam, the Belgian crowd is looking forward to cheering on several local heroes, including the Borlee brothers and Julien Watrin on the 400 metre.
