The Olympic Games in Tokyo live mainly at night for us. And because you can’t mess up your biorhythm every night, we’ll do it for you.
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What were the highlights of last night?
The women’s Olympic marathon was a special battle because of the warm weather in Sapporo. The race was already moved to that town in the hope of finding cooler conditions there and the start time was also brought forward, but there were still casualties in the race for the medals. For example, the top favorite Ruth Chepngetich had to give up after 30 kilometers and the Israeli Lonah Chemtai Saltpeter had to stop while she was on course for a bronze medal. The victory was ultimately for Peres Jepchirchir, who left her compatriot Brigid Kosgei behind in the final kilometres.
– Photo: AFP
In the men’s basketball tournament, the NBA stars took home the gold medal as expected. In the final, Team USA beat France 87-82. The star with the Americans was once again Kevin Durant.
READ ALSO. Impressive Kevin Durant leads Team USA to gold medal in basketball
How did the Belgians fare?
The Belgian ladies had an excellent marathon. The 39-year-old teacher Mieke Gorissen placed 28th in a time of 2:34:24, while Hanne Verbruggen came in with a time of 2:38:03. Gorissen started quietly just outside the top sixty, but then started to move up the pack together with Verbruggen. Verbruggen was ultimately unable to follow, but Gorissen kept making up places. Overjoyed, she crossed the line in 28th place. When she heard her rash, she burst into tears. “This can’t be?!” she kept repeating.
The Belgian ladies are not marathon professionals, which makes their performance even more impressive. Hanne Verbruggen actually had to sell mattentaarten to make her Olympic dream come true, both ladies are also in education.
READ ALSO. Jepchirchir wins Kenyan duel in marathon, tough Mieke Gorissen finishes in top 30
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Photo: AFP
In golf, the last round of the women’s tournament was scheduled. Manon Of Roey was able to finish her round three strokes over par, dropping her to a tie for 45th place. A provisional result, as the game was halted by lightning on the course. The medal battle is now very exciting: with two holes to go, Nelly Korda (USA) is in the lead, one stroke ahead of Mone Inami (Japan).
Anything else notable that you missed?
Less good news for Team Belgium: Jonathan Borlée is definitely out for the final of the 4x400m final with the Belgian Tornados. The sprinter is out for several weeks with a hamstring injury. His brother Kevin is fit for the final this afternoon.
READ ALSO. Jonathan Borlée must definitely pass for 4x400m final with Belgian Tornados
This is still on the agenda today
09u55: Track cycling, men’s team race: Robbe Ghys and Kenny De Ketele
12u00: Equestrian sport, jumping Nations Cup: Pieter Devos, Jerôme Guery and Grégory Wathelet
14u30: Athletics, 4×400 meters women, final: Belgian Cheetahs
14u50: Athletics, 4×400 meters men, final: Belgian Tornados
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