KBC-Nacht, Night of Athletics

Strong Gevaert at the 100 meter. (picture belga)

Today's KBC Night of the Athletics aimed at getting as many Olympic selections by Belgian athletes as possible. The weather conditions, however, were not favourable because of the wind and chilly temperatures. Which is why Elodie Ouedraogo for instance only managed 56.58 at the 400m hurdles.

The Borlée twin brothers did not get in fast times either. Kevin Borlée did win the 400m and Jonathan came in second in a field of strong international contenders. In Beijing, Belgium will be able to count on a strong 4 x 400m!

In the 3000m steeple chase Krijn Van Koolwijk and Pieter Desmet were aiming for their ticket for the Olympics for a long time, but the missed out only just. Sigrid Vanden Bempt finished right behind Veerle Dejaeghere in the women's steeple chase, but still did not meet the requirements of the Belgian Olympic Committee. Kevin Rans once more topped 5,60m and finished third in the pole jump, against highly rated international competitors, but he as well did not meet the 5.70m limit.

Monder Rizki brought a Belgian highlight to the evening in the 5k. He easily followed the front runners and at the end even managed a sprint to finish third in a time of 13:04.06, the second best Belgian time at the 5k ever, beter even than Rousseau and Puttemans. Should the BOIC be mild, he ought to be heading for Beijing as well (he has to meet the requirements twice).

Hellebaut topped 2 meter. (picture belga)

Earlier in the evening Kim Gevaert enchanted the entire stadion by winning the 100m in 11.20. Above all, Kim was very happy about the way she beat international top sprinters like Sturrup and Jeter. "Which gives confidence for the next events. Next week, I'm heading for London and next we're off to Beijing." Tia Hellebaut also boosted her confidence by winning the high jump against Nicole Forrester and Chaunte Howard and by being the first in 2008 to top the 2.00m .

The women's relay team is also getting into shape: Olivia Borlée ran the 200m in 23.05, Hanna Mariën in 23.13. Eline Berings finished the 100m in 13.09. Tom Goyvaerts and Thomas Smet confirmed their steadiness in the javelin. Tom finished second with 75.81m, Thomas fourth with 73.58m.

Mimi Belete, who is staying in Belgium as an asylum seeker, finished second in the 1500m in a personal best of 4:07.36, her sister Almensch finished in 4:11.79.

Paul Kipsiele Koech issued the international highlight by winning the 3000m steeple chase in a world year best of 8:00.57. Until the end of the second kilometer Koech was on track for a world record, but he was left to his own to face the wind in the last kilometer .

The 3000m for women ended in a fierce duel between Jennifer Barringer and Anna Willard. Barringer outdid her compatriot's national record by beating her in the sprint in 9:22.73.

In the 800m for men, the Canadian Gary Reed managed a great time and the 5000m again was a top race won by Murat Morafit in 13:02.84. A true salute to the beloved Tom Compernolle, to whom this race was dedicated.

The large audience have again been able to enjoy a spectacular evening filled with top level athletics and several Belgian highlights.