In one of the most heart-warming sports stories the world has witnessed in a long time, a Belgium athlete put her ego aside to make sure her country stayed in the competition.
At the European Team Championships in Krakow, Poland last Saturday, Belgium had both its runners for the 100m hurdles race out with injuries. If they didn’t send a competitor to the starting line, the team would be disqualified.
When it became clear that this reality was approaching, Jolien Boumkwo — Belgium’s national record holder in the women’s shot put, volunteered to run.
The 29-year old approached the race with grace, humility and good-nature. She knew that racing, regardless of where she placed, would give her country at least two points towards the final tally of the Championships.
“I thought the chance would have been very small of me having to do this [but] if I’m going to do this, I want to make the best of it and try to enjoy it,” Boumkwo told the New York Times.
Footage of the race has gone viral on social, with many praising Boumkwo for her courage, generosity and commitment to her country.
Supporters remarked on Boumkwo’s “genuine joy” as she appeared at the starting line before the race, waving to the camera ecstatically as her name was introduced.
She wasn’t trying to win — she simply needed to cross the ten hurdles without injuring herself.
Though she placed last, Boumkwo said she wasn’t nervous about the race, as “it was a beautiful atmosphere,” adding that she took the race “seriously…hurdle by hurdle.”
In a post-race message which she shared on her socials, Boumkwo wrote, “My team is the most important thing for me. I couldn’t let it happen to loose by one point.”
“I really enjoyed the race. There were a few doubts in my mind but now I can tell I’m glad about this new experience.”
Boumkwo’s usual events include the shot put, hammer throw and discus. The day before the hurdles race, she placed seventh in the shot put competition.
Sadly, despite Boumkwo’s selfless act, Belgium finished 14th in the team standings and was knocked off the Top Division.
Nevertheless, the national record holder in shot put said she was touched by the outflowing of love and support.
“This was probably my best European Championship ever, I got something very nice out of it,” she said, before joking, “I’m not made for hurdling.”