Belgian athletics celebrated a breakthrough evening in Birmingham as 30-year-old EK debutante Saliyya Guisse secured a surprise silver medal in the triple jump with a leap of 14.46 meters, capping an unexpected medal-winning performance on a memorable night for the national delegation.
Saliyya Guisse Claims Silver in the Triple Jump
The standout moment of the evening belonged to Saliyya Guisse, who delivered a sensational performance in the triple jump. Competing at her first European Championship, the 30-year-old athlete surpassed her previous personal limits by clearing 14.46 meters to capture the silver medal. Before the competition in Birmingham, Guisse had never crossed the 14-meter barrier.
Her journey to the podium followed a late inclusion in the national squad. According to reporting from Sporza, the federation adjusted its selection criteria, allowing the athlete to join the team and ultimately deliver a podium finish for the delegation.
It is a hold-up, really crazy. It is a bit strange, because I compete to win. In my head, I was out to become European champion. I finished second, I don’t think that’s bad at all! Saliyya Guisse
Reflecting on her unexpected path to the podium, Guisse recalled in the mixed zone that she was not initially selected for the tournament. She dedicated her success to her supporters, her family, her boyfriend, and her mother, who has served as her coach for 26 years.
Ilona Masson and Elien Vekemans Fall Just Short of the Podiums
While Guisse celebrated a silver medal, two other Belgian competitors experienced the heartbreak of fourth-place finishes. In the same triple jump event, national champion Ilona Masson put up a strong challenge. Masson opened with a jump of 14.15 meters and subsequently improved her mark to 14.37 meters, securing a strong fourth-place finish.
Guisse offered words of encouragement for her fellow competitor noting that a medal was within reach for Masson, who is much younger.
Meanwhile, in the pole vault, Elien Vekemans matched that fourth-place result at her second European Championship. Vekemans cleared 4.30, 4.45, and 4.60 meters without a miss before facing difficulties at 4.70 meters. In an effort to secure a medal, she skipped her final attempt at that height to try 4.75 meters directly. The bold tactical maneuver did not pay off, leaving her stuck at 4.60 meters.
This means that I am back. Elien Vekemans, via Sporza
International Highlights and Track Results in Birmingham
The broader athletic program in Birmingham delivered notable victories for international stars. Home favorite Amy Hunt triumphed on the track, adding a 200-meter gold medal to her earlier victory in the 100 meters. Hunt outran Dina Asher-Smith, while Ireland’s Rhasidat Adeleke surged past Asher-Smith in the final meters to secure the silver medal and set a new national record, leaving Asher-Smith with the bronze.
In the men’s 800-meter final, Mark English justified his status as the top favorite by capturing the European title with a decisive acceleration on the home straight. Croatia’s Bloudek took second place, while Spain’s Mohamed Attaoui completed the podium with a bronze medal.
Mixed Fortunes in Sprints and Decathlon
Antoine Snyders competed in the semi-finals of the 200 meters. Despite a strong start and a powerful exit from the curve, Snyders faded in the final straight and finished fifth in his heat with a time of 20 seconds and 65 hundredths. That performance fell short of a place in the final and remained above his personal best of 20 seconds and 24 hundredths set the previous month in Kortrijk.
In the decathlon, 21-year-old Dai Keïta completed his first major championship appearance. Keïta posted strong marks across multiple events, including a fourth-place finish in the 400 meters and a solid clearance in the pole vault.
What Lies Ahead at the European Championships
With the second evening of competition concluded, the delegation turns its focus to upcoming events.
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