It was a spectacular setting this Saturday at the Antwerp Grote Markt. This Pole Vault competition enjoyed the scenery of the City Hall, beautiful historic buildings and the famous Brabo statue. Hundredths of spectators gathered at the Grote Markt, a mix of tourists, athletics fans and shoppers who were fascinated by the event and they encouraged the athletes with all of their hearts. Even Brabo seemed to like it, even though his statue looks more like a discus thrower…
A local legend tells that the City of Antwerp was ruled centuries ago by the giant Antigoon, who forced all ships to pay heavy toll to cross the river Scheldt. Captains who refused to pay saw their hands cut off by Antigoon. The Roman soldier Silvius Brabo fought Antigoon and could kill the giant. He cut off Antigoon’s hand and threw it in the river. Throwing away the hand (Ant – werpen or throw – hands) would have given the city its name.
Smets confirms as a favourite
At the AG Insurance Urban Memorial Van Damme things went on more peacefully than centuries ago. But still “giant” heights were reached. Five athletes crossed bars at over 4m. But surprisingly not Regine Kramer who arrived with a personal best of 4.40m. The German went out at her opening height of 4.20m.
Multiple Belgian and multiple Dutch champions Fanny Smets and Rianna Galiart, both credited with PB’s of 4.40m remained in contention to win the event. Galiart passed at 4.30m and failed to jump 4.40m, even when she came close in her second attempt.
Smets had jumped 4.40m earlier this week in Montreuil sous Bois (France) which already qualified her for the European championships. Smets jumped 4.30m to win the event and then made attempts at 4.50m, which is the Olympic qualifying mark. It would also be a new national record that is held by Chloe Henry with 4.41m. But Smets also failed to jumped 4.50m, in spite of the support of the fans and her favourite music from Avicii.
Smets won this AG Insurance Urban Memorial Van Damme in Antwerp, with Rianna Galiart (4.20m) in second and Hanne De Baene (4.10m) in third. A good performance for De Baene who improved her PB by 4cm. Aurélie De Ryck (4.00m) was fourth, while Dutch Anitta Karregat (4.00m) finished fifth while improving her PB by 10cm.
A fine afternoon for Youth athletes
The Under 18 competition was won by Hanne Borstlap. The 16 year old athlete from Herentals set a personal best of 3.75m. She described the atmosphere in Antwerp as “fantastic”.
The non stop Kids Athletics sessions from the AG Insurance Urban Memorial Van Damme were also successful. Children from Under 13 could participate in initiation session for the Long Jump, the High Jump, the Shot Put and in Hurdling. These were led by Kim Gevaert and by coaches of local clubs.
Ostend is the next edition
The AG Insurance Urban Memorial Van Damme is part of the AG Insurance Memorial Van Damme which is the final of the IAAF Diamond League that will be held on September 9th in the King Baudouin Stadium. The AG Insurance Urban Memorial Van Damme celebrates the 40th anniversary of the The AG Insurance Memorial Van Damme. After stops at Namur, Ghent and Antwerp the next event will be held in Ostend on Friday July, 14th.
At the Zeeheldenplein (Square of the Sea Heroes) Belgian national Discus Throw hero Philip Milanov – silver medalist at the IAAF World Championships in 2015 – will make one of his last appearances before competing for an Olympic Medal in Rio. As always entrance is free and this an event that is certainly worth being part of ! As would “hand thrower” Brabo…
11 June, 2016
