It’s no secret that Belgium has never been a glutton when it comes to Olympic medals. With only 11 million inhabitants, our country is a small country compared to major powers such as China and the United States.
However, Team Belgium has given us many unforgettable moments in recent years. Just think of “Fredje” Deburghgraeve in Atlanta or Tia Hellebaut in Beijing. But two gold medals in one day? No, this has already been since 1952. Although we have been close to it many times.
Go back for a moment to the 1964 Games. On October 16, Patrick Circo traveled to gold in the 1000m. A day later, Gaston Roylantes also appeared on top of the scaffold after chasing the 3,000-meter tower of the church. Not only an Olympiad is unique to our country.
Also after 32 years, Belgium is close. In Atlanta, judoka Ola Werbroek and swimmer Frederic Deburgrefe give Belgian sports fans a “golden weekend”. Formidable, but again he didn’t get two gold medals on the same day.
In Beijing 2008, Tia Hellepott took the gold one day after her sprint in the 4 x 100 metres. Although the use of doping by Russia ensures that Gevaert and his teammates are only allowed to exchange their silver medal for a gold medal after 8 years.
57 years after Sercu and Roelants first approached in Tokyo, Thiam and the Red Lions have now completed a full turn. Tokyo 2020, an edition you will never forget.
