The Belgian Rockets failed to qualify for the 4x100m final at their first Olympic Games in Paris. They finished last and were subsequently disqualified for an incorrect baton change. Thibo De Smet and Pieter Sisk also failed to secure a semi-final spot in the 800m via repechages.
| Belgians on Thursday, August 8 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:10 AM | Belgian missiles | 4 x 100 m (T): With increasing temperatures | 8th place in Qatar 43″55 |
| 12.00 | Thibaut de Smit | 800m: Second Chances | 4th with a time of 1.46″59 |
| 12.00 | Peter Cesk | 800m: Second Chances | 3rd place with a time of 1.45″49 |
A sad day for Belgian athletes at the Stade de France.
The Belgian Rockets were at the Paris Olympics for the first time, but Rani Vincke, Rani Rozius, Elise Mehus and Delphine Nkansa failed to qualify for the 4x100m final.
A difficult baton exchange between Mehuys and Nkansa gave them last place. They were then also disqualified because the baton exchange occurred outside the permitted area.
In the afternoon it was the turn of the 800m runners Thibault De Smet and Peter Ciesek. They finished seventh and sixth in the series and were able to advance to the semi-finals via repechage matches. The top two finishers in each heat advanced, along with the top two losers.
Thibaut De Smet gave it his all, but finished fourth in his series and could no longer claim a place in the semi-finals.
Peter Sisk also had a strong race, but his final race wasn’t enough to take the lead. He finished third in his heat with a time of 1’45″49 and had the second best time for a long time, which would send him into the semi-finals.
But the final series went too fast to earn our frustrated compatriot a place in the semi-finals.
Belgian Rockets: “We can be proud of our performance”
Despite finishing last and being eliminated, the Belgian Rockets were very happy to be at the Olympics for the first time. “It’s amazing. I can’t compare it to anything. I feel the support of everyone and I really enjoyed it,” said a delighted Rani Vinke.
Elise Mehus shared her teammate’s opinion. “There were really a lot of people and it was really loud when they cancelled our withdrawal. It gave me goosebumps. As for my race, it was really good at the beginning but at the end it was difficult with Delphine with the change. We were hoping for a better time, but in the end we are here and we can be very proud of our performance.”
Rani Rozios and Delphine Nkansa qualified for the semi-finals in the 100m, as neither of them managed to qualify for the final, but they have already gained Olympic experience.
“There was a bit of tension this morning, but we controlled that very well. We were here to enjoy ourselves and had nothing to lose. We took more risks and you can see that in the switch that went wrong, but we need that risk if we want to get a better time.”
“We are in the Olympics, and this is no small feat,” said Rosius proudly. “We have done a very good job. The whole project has started and will continue for the next four years.”
Cesc: “When you’re that close, it’s quite emotional.”
No semi-final for Peter Cesc
Petr Cesk had the second fastest loss time in a long time, but the last series is going too fast to earn our compatriot a place in the semi-finals. Too bad for Cesk.
Fourth place for Thibaut de Smet
Fourth place for me
Thibaut De Smet gives it his all in the final straight, but it’s not enough. He finishes fourth and can no longer claim a place in the semi-finals.
Petr Cesc comes third in replays: ‘It’s still possible’
Sisk finished third in his series.
Peter Sisk ran a strong race, but was no longer able to take the lead in his final race. He finished third in his series with a time of 1’45’49 and still has to wait to see if he is one of the two best times lost.
Belgian Rockets: ‘All those Belgian flags, I got a little emotional’
Second and third series
The men’s 800m repechage starts at 12pm. Thibaut De Smet and Peter Sisk finished seventh and sixth yesterday and can still secure a place in today’s semi-finals. Sisk comes into play in the second series, and De Smet could prove himself in the third series.
The first of each series continues, and the two best losing times can qualify for the semi-finals.
Live streaming is back on
The power outage has been resolved. You can once again enjoy your athletics day in Paris.
Belgian Rockets fail to reach final
Infinite Belgian missiles
The baton exchange between Elise Mehus and Delphine Nkansa is tough. Nkansa crosses the line last and Belgium is also disqualified because the baton exchange occurred outside the permitted area. No end to the Belgian rockets.
Power outage in Paris
Due to the power outage in Paris, there is currently no live streaming available. We will keep you updated via this live blog.
Belgian missile formation
Rani Finke, Rani Rozios, Elise Mehus and Delphine Nkansa will be looking to qualify for the 4x100m series final. The top three from each series and the top two teams in the overall classification qualify.
Live broadcast at 10 am
You can follow all the athletics events (except the heptathlon) on this live blog or via the live stream from 10:00am. To get the heptathlon live blog, you need to be here.
Quadruple and dual
Good morning, the Stade de France is once again the stage for athletics today. On this page we follow everything except the heptathlon with Thiam and Wydts – we have the dedicated blog below for that. Which Belgians can still be seen? At 11.10 am, the Belgian Rockets will run the 4x100m for the first time, and in the afternoon Thibault De Smet and Peter Ciesk will take part in the 800m rematch.
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