Memorial Van Damme athletics meeting in Brussels

The 50th anniversary of the Memorial Van Damme athletics meeting in Brussels, serving as the Diamond League season finale, began with the unveiling of a bronze statue of the late Ivo Van Damme at the King Baudouin Stadium entrance.

The edition was characterized by high-level performances, totaling 14 meeting records and five world leads, earning it a ranking as the second-best athletics meeting of all time in terms of points. Notable record-breakers included Audrey Werro in the women’s 800m (1:54.75), Emmanuel Wanyonyi in the men’s 800m (1:41.80), Alison dos Santos in the 400m hurdles, Marileidy Paulino in the 400m, and Kebinatshipi of Botswana in the men’s 400m (43.40 seconds).

Following the last-minute withdrawal of pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis due to a thigh injury, Emmanouil Karalis secured victory in the men’s pole vault with a meeting record jump of 6.12 meters. While the event saw significant global success, some local Belgian athletes, including Nafi Thiam, did not reach their target performances. Other injuries impacted the field, such as javelin thrower Timothy Herman, who was forced to withdraw.