Memorial Van Damme: Nafissatou Thiam's Decision to Withdraw and Royal Honor
Memorial Van Damme Event Overview
Nafissatou Thiam, the celebrated Olympic heptathlon champion, confirmed her absence from the Memorial Van Damme event this weekend. Kim Gevaert, the meeting director, announced this during a press conference at the King Baudouin Stadium, amid preparations for the 48th edition of the Belgian athletics event, which marks the end of this year's Diamond League.
Thiam's Royal Honor
Despite her withdrawal from the high jump competition, Thiam will be honored on Friday by King Philippe. Gevaert expressed understanding for Thiam's need to decompress after the Olympic Games, stating, "If she doesn't feel 100%, I understand her withdrawal. We cannot blame her for that." At 30 years old, Thiam has achieved an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic title in heptathlon at the Paris Games, making history in combined events.
Event Highlights
- Thiam won her first Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
- She successfully defended her Olympic title in Tokyo three years ago.
- This year’s event will feature the top four athletes from the Paris Games.
- Notable participants include Ukrainian champions Yaroslava Mahuchikh (gold) and Iryna Gerashchenko (bronze), along with Australians Nicola Olyslagers (silver) and Eleanor Patterson (bronze).
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.