Olympics: Hockey teams are first Belgian athletes to head to Paris
Belgium’s hockey teams boarded the Eurostar in Brussels for Paris on Friday morning. They are the first Belgian athletes to set off for the Olympics, which begin next Friday.
In the coming weeks, the Red Lions will defend their title, which they won in Tokyo three years ago. The men’s team open their tournament on 27 July against Ireland. The women’s team, the Red Panthers, will be appearing at the Olympics for the first time since London 2012, and begin their campaign a day later against China.
The Paris Games will be the fifth Olympics for midfielder Félix Denayer. “It’s special, a bit unreal,” the 34-year-old said. “As an athlete, you usually look ahead, but this is one of those moments when you realise that you’ve come a long way. Hopefully we can add another great chapter.”
"Everyone is ready. We have had a very good preparation. The Games can begin"
He said the team were ready to defend their 2020 title. “We are in very good shape. Now we want to be tested and show that we can win this tournament. It would be another dream come true for us.”
Delegation leader Olav Spahl boarded the Eurostar with the teams on Friday. “I am very much looking forward to leaving,” he said. “Everyone is ready. We have had a very good preparation. The Games can begin.”
With 165 athletes and 15 reserves, Belgium is sending its largest delegation to the Games since Amsterdam 1928. Three years ago in Tokyo, Belgium won seven medals, and the team is hoping to improve on that record, with strong performers in hockey, judo, athletics, equestrianism and sailing. “We are confident,” said Spahl.
Athletes will travel to Paris by train almost every day this week. The gymnasts, including reigning Olympic champion Nina Derwael, will leave on Sunday afternoon.
The Games begin on 26 July with an opening ceremony on the Seine and will close 11 August.
Thibeau Stockbroeckx and Alexander Hendrickx at Brussels Midi as they prepare to leave for Paris to defend their Olympic title © BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR
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