Kim Gevaert qualified for the second round in the 100m

SPECIAL ENVOY IN PARIS

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After fearing the worst about a month ago, Kim Gevaert arrived partially reassured in the French capital. Of course, our European vice-champion in the 100 and 200m still suffers from the tendons, especially during the warm-up, but the condition has not worsened in recent weeks. Suddenly, Kim is determined to have a chance in the three disciplines for which she is qualified, namely 100, 200 and 4x100m. A program which begins this Saturday, from 10:30 a.m., with the series of a women’s 100m which, in the absence of Marion Jones, promises to be more open than ever, even if the world title should be played between the American Kelli White , who doubles 100-200, and the Bahamian Chandra Sturrup. “The whole thing will be to see how these athletes will withstand the pressure! continues Kim. Running for gold is not the same as running for silver or bronze, behind Marion. The weight of what is at stake threatens to paralyze them. Which, ultimately, could benefit Christine Arron, whom I point to among the candidates for the podium. As for me, I have to be reasonable. If I could already reach the semi-finals, I would have fulfilled my contract. Especially given the circumstances… Honestly, I would have preferred to show up at 100% of my potential. And that is not the case.”

Never mind, faithful to her principles, Kim Gevaert will give the best of herself, knowing that it is in the 200m that she has the best card to play after having signed, this season, her second and third fastest over the distance.

“I hope, indeed, to reach the final there! And who knows? she continues, her eyes full of hope. Certainly, there is, there too, Kelli White. And then, Muriel Hurtis. But, behind these two, is the ink bottle. I think you will have to run in 22.40 to get on the podium. However, this chrono is not inaccessible to me. Anyway, on 100 as on 200m, you have to see how everyone passes the laps. Some athletes go down, others go up. This was my case, last year, in Munich, where, in the final of the 200, my eighth race, I managed to stand up to Muriel Hurtis, who did not compete in the 100m. With a good lane, anything is possible but you will have to qualify at each lap instead to get it… »

Comparison is not right

The pressure weighs on the shoulders of the Louvanist, obliged to confirm her status as vice-champion of Europe at world level at a time when Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin are enthroned at the top of the tennis hierarchy. “It is obvious that the public, but also the press, expect a lot from me and the fact that Kim and Justine dominate world tennis adds to the delicacy of my position. Thus, some would not understand that I am not in the final. However, I repeat, it would take a miracle for me to be in the 100m, the queen event in the eyes of all. We must therefore avoid any comparison between tennis and athletic !”

Accustomed to podiums since the age of 16, Kim Gevaert experienced European consecration last year at the European Championships, both indoor and outdoor, in Vienna, then in Munich. She is now running after worldwide recognition with the patience of an intelligent and well-supported girl. May, therefore, this Parisian Mondial meet her expectations and, thereby, those of the many people who believe in her and in her immense talent!

© Sports 2003

Six Belgians on the track
TIA HELLEBAUT (HEPTATHLON): if she is used to it, Tia (photo) will still have to get up early this Saturday since the first event of the heptathlon, the 100 m hurdles, is fixed at 8:45 a.m. Our compatriot could rub shoulders with the French Barber, the Swedish Kluft as well as the Briton Lewis, companion of Patrick Stevens who arrived on Friday.
KIM GEVAERT (100M): in the wake of Hellebaut, Kim will follow, at 10:30 a.m., with the 100m series, the final of which will take place this Sunday, after that of the men’s 10,000m.
CEDRIC VAN BRANTEGHEM (400 M): As for the friendly Ghent, the 400m series are scheduled, this Saturday too, at 4:35 p.m.
SANDRA STALS (800M): stuck between
qualifications the women’s pole vault and the men’s high jump, the 800 m series will be run at 5:25 p.m. with Sandra.
BERT LEENAERTS (1500M): Bert will perhaps see himself confronted with Hicham El Guerrouj, who is trying the unprecedented double 1500-5000. Anyway, the Diestois giant will have to give the best of himself if he wants
to survive in this first round.
JO VAN DAELE (DISC): the
qualifications are scheduled, this Sunday morning, at 9.45 a.m. for group A (the alarm clock promises to be hard!) and at 11.35 a.m. for group B. Note that schedule changes are always possible during the week…