Ghent (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): Bashir Abdi won a silver medal in the marathon, and Fabio Van den Bossche earned bronze in the omnium at the Olympics. The Belgian team included 25 athletes, showcasing their strength in various sports.
Bashir Abdi and Fabio Van den Bossche were notable Belgian athletes who attracted a lot of attention. Abdi won a silver medal in the marathon, showcasing his endurance and consistency. He is recognized as one of the top long-distance runners in the world and serves as an inspiration, especially for the Belgian Somali community. Van den Bossche excelled on the track, winning a bronze medal in the omnium, which is a multi-race event that tests a cyclist’s versatility and tactical skills.
What impact did the Belgian athletes have at the recent Olympics?
Apart from the medal winners, a lot of people were excited about the other 25 Belgian athletes who took part in different sports. This team had both new and experienced athletes, showing that Belgium is getting better in sports. For them, competing wasn’t just about winning, it was also about learning for the future. The athletes showed teamwork and determination, which has been improving over time. The crowd cheered for everyone, no matter how they did, showing pride in Belgium’s sports. Sailor Emma Plasschaert said, “It’s great for the people of Ghent. We did something like this after Tokyo, and it was super fun. It feels like a festival.” Javelin thrower Timothy Herman also thought it was special, saying, “The Olympic Games are amazing, but being on a boat in Ghent with the athletes is also really cool. I’m happy to be here.”
The event attracted a big crowd, with lots of people wanting to see the athletes up close. One special fan was Chantal from Ghent, who came mainly to support Bashir Abdi, the famous marathon runner known for his great achievements. Chantal talked about how she knows Bashir well and how much she admires what he has done. She pointed out that Bashir, who is proud to live in Ghent, really deserves to be recognized in the city where he feels happy. For her, being at the event was not just about watching, it was about celebrating a local hero who has made their community proud. It has been said that Chantal’s words showed the strong bond between the athletes and their fans, especially for Bashir Abdi, whose story means a lot to the people of Ghent.
