Belgian Shot Putter Jolien Boumkwo Runs 100m Hurdles at Snail’s Pace: European Championships 2023

Belgian Shot Putter Jolien Boumkwo Surprises Everyone by Running 100 Meter Hurdles at Snail’s Pace

Belgian shot putter Jolien Boumkwo made headlines at the European Championships for national teams when she agreed to run the 100 meter hurdles at the last minute. The athlete caused a sensation on Saturday by finishing the race at a snail’s pace.

“I thought it was a special experience because, much more than with the shot put, I had the feeling that everyone was looking at me,” said Boumkwo after her race, according to Sporza.

Boumkwo, 29, replaced her compatriot Anne Zagré in the 100 meters hurdles after Zagré suffered an injury shortly before the start. The Belgian team had to quickly find a replacement and ended up with Boumkwo, who selflessly sacrificed herself for the team.

In the race, Boumkwo stood out by finishing the 100 meter hurdles at a walking pace. She calmly passed every hurdle and finished with a time of 32.81 seconds, almost twenty seconds behind the Spanish winner Teresa Errandonea (13.22).

“When I was asked, I immediately liked it. But only with the approval of my coach,” said Boumkwo. “He agreed if I took it easy and did not take any risk of injury. We sometimes do hurdles in training, so I knew how to do it.”

Boumkwo’s participation earned her country two points. She also received an extra point thanks to the disqualification of Swiss athlete Ditaji Kambundji in the first heat.

Boumkwo’s points are crucial for Belgium in their fight against relegation from the top division. The Belgian team is currently near the bottom, and the bottom three teams will be relegated.

Despite her unconventional performance, Boumkwo had no trouble putting her pride aside. “I try not to take myself too seriously as an athlete. The past has taught me that it will only make you cramp. If my two points ensure that we stay in the top division, this has certainly been worth it,” she said.

Boumkwo’s unexpected participation in the 100 meter hurdles has certainly made her a memorable figure in the championships, and her selfless act has earned her the admiration of many.

How did Boumkwo’s decision to participate in the 100 meter hurdles surprise everyone, considering her expertise in shot put?

Meter hurdles, despite being primarily known for her shot put skills. What surprised everyone even more was the speed at which she ran the race – at a snail’s pace.

Boumkwo’s decision to participate in the 100 meter hurdles was unexpected, given her expertise in shot put. The event requires a different skill set and training regimen compared to shot put, which made her decision even more surprising.

As the race began, it was apparent that Boumkwo was not aiming for the fastest time. She took each hurdle with caution, carefully raising her legs and maintaining a steady pace. Her focus seemed to be on completing the race rather than winning it.

Despite her slow speed, Boumkwo’s determination and effort on the track were commendable. Running against seasoned hurdlers who were used to a much faster pace, she never gave up and continued to push forward.

The crowd was taken aback by Boumkwo’s unconventional approach to the race. Spectators watched in anticipation as she navigated each hurdle, cheering her on despite her snail-like speed. It was evident that her participation had garnered widespread support and admiration.

While she didn’t finish near the top, Boumkwo’s decision to tackle the 100 meter hurdles showcased her willingness to step out of her comfort zone and take on new challenges. Her commitment to the sport and her team was obvious, regardless of the outcome.

After the race, Boumkwo expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to compete in a different event. She emphasized that her main goal was to contribute to her team’s overall success at the championships, and running the hurdles was another way she could do so.

Boumkwo’s surprising performance in the 100 meter hurdles serves as a reminder that sometimes athletes are willing to step out of their established roles and try something new. Her determination and willingness to take on a different challenge were met with support and admiration from the crowd.

Ultimately, Boumkwo’s decision to tackle the 100 meter hurdles at a snail’s pace may not have earned her a spot on the podium, but it certainly left a lasting impression on fans and competitors alike. Her courage to step outside of her comfort zone and compete in a completely different event is a testament to her dedication and love for the sport.