2023-06-26 20:02:16
This Saturday, Jolien Boumkwo finished 15th in the 100 meters hurdles at the European Athletics National Team Championships in Chorzow, Poland, as part of the European Games. The national record holder in the shot put sacrificed herself as a volunteer following Anne Zagré’s package and achieved a time of 32.81. When Zagré gave up, it was too late to bring in a replacement by plane, so an alternative had to be found. Boumkwo, who already won seventh place in the shot put on Friday, then agreed to replace the hurdler.
A gesture that had an impact internationally and in particular in the columns of the New York Times. “However, the hoped-for end for Boumkwo and Belgium did not come. Belgium finished 14th in the team standings, 6.5 points behind Greece – a gap too big for even Boumkwo to close – and were demoted to Division 2.
“It was a special experience”
“When I was asked for my opinion, I quickly accepted, but only with the green light from my coach,” explained Boumkwo. “He was okay if I took it easy and didn’t risk hurting myself. In training we sometimes do hurdles, so I know how to do it. It was a special experience, I had more spectators than usual in the shot put.
“Boumkwo did not hesitate to put his pride aside for the common cause. “I try not to take myself too seriously as an athlete,” she explains. “The past taught me that it gave cramps. Two points can make the difference. If they allow us to stay in the first division, it will be really worth it. »
Boumkwo also said that this place was disappointing, but she was overwhelmed by the influx of love and support. “It’s probably the best European Championship I’ve ever had,” she said. “I got something very pleasant out of it.”
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