Around 200 persons congregated in Vilvoorde’s Grote Markt on Tuesday evening to honour Noor Vidts, heptathlon bronze medallist at the recent Paris Olympic Games.
Despite the rain, many members of Vidts’ athletics club, VAC, attended the celebration.
Vidts’ coach, Fernando Oliva, her partner – judoka Jorre Verstraten – and her parents, were also in attendance.
“I’m amazed by the turnout, I didn’t expect it,” the new medallist said. When younger athletes asked for her best advice to excel in their disciplines, she suggested they “listen to their coach, work hard, and most importantly have fun.”
Vilvoorde Mayor Hans Bonte and Sports Alderman Moad El Boudaati took the opportunity to announce the creation of a mural honouring Vidts in the city. The heptathlete will be consulted on its location.
