Belgium is ready for global relays in Canton: “We want to win five qualifications for the Tokyo Worlds”

“The ambition of Belgium is clear: we want to win five qualifications for Tokyo, two in 4x100m with the Falcons and the Rockets and three in 4x400m, with the mixed in addition to the Tornados and the Cheetahs”says Stéphanie Noël, the French -speaking technical director who officiates with her counterpart Rutger Smith as a leader team on this competition. “”We have also hired a sixth team which is that of the mixed 4x100m relay, a new test which will appear on the Olympic program in 2028 but which will not yet be represented at the Worlds this year. Rather, it will be a good test. “

Full cardboard objective

To succeed in a full cardboard and win the five precious sesames for Japan, each of our teams will have to finish in the top 2 of its series is during the first day of competition (4 series, therefore 8 qualified countries for the final and for the Worlds) is during the planned recovery in the second day (3 series, therefore 6 other qualified countries for the Worlds).

In other words, in each test, the 14 best nations will be granted a ticket for the Worlds. He will then remain in world Athletics to complete the lists of committed to Tokyo with the two fastest teams, among unqualified countries, at the end of the qualification period.A 19th podium for the Belgian Tornados, bronze medalists in the Bahamas, where the Belgian Cheetahs qualify for the Paris Games!

During the previous edition, in 2024 in the Bahamas, Belgium qualified its three 4x400m teams for the Paris Olympics. This time again, the Belgian Tornados (triple bronze medalists at the world relays in 2015, 2019 and 2024) and the mixed 4x400m relay seem to embody our best chances of appearing.

Without Cynthia Bolingo, who was to return to competition in China but who experienced concerns of Achilles tendons during his preparation, the Belgian Cheetahs, who had missed the Top 8 in Nassau before winning their Olympic qualification during the recovery, know that nothing will be easy.

Cheetah distrust

“We have already managed to do it without Cynthia but we certainly cannot be too confident either”underlines Carole Bam, the team coach. “”Everyone is in good shape in the team, even the two little news evolves at a level where I did not necessarily expect them, and it is a very good thing. However, I am wary of other teams, such as Spain or Australia, who are also progressing! “

If she has “Eight fast girls “ Available, Carole Bam also knows that the depth of the nucleus is not the same as in men. Where it is the heavy artillery which is out with Alexander Doom, Jonathan Sacoor, Daniel Segers, Julien Watrin, Dylan Borlée, Christian Iguacel, Robin Vanderbemden and Florent Mabille.

“I’m a bit jealous”joking Carole Bam, whose collaboration with Bram Peters, the temporary coach of the Tornados, continues to do well. “”They all run very well and can aim high. They even have rooms in relation to qualification, which could be profitable in the mix too. “

The most difficult, ultimately, will perhaps be to define the priorities, between the Cheetahs and the mixed, on the first day. And, for that, the composition of the series was going to be decisive …

On the side of the 4x100m relays, we are well aware that the extent of the task is more important. But both the Rockets led by François Gourmet and the Falcons coached by Lieve Van Mechelen can dream of a qualification.