It was a shock for the athletics enthusiasts last weekend. Images circulated on social media of a badly damaged athletics track in the King Baudouin Stadium. Worrying news barely 10 days before the Memorial Van Damme. Still, according to the organizer and experts, there is no reason to panic.
Extra budget to deal with damage
After a busy summer of events with several concerts in the stadium, the track this year was worse than usual. The top layer had come loose in some places and there is water between the different layers.
Gert Van Goolen of organizer Golazo confirms the situation, but is not concerned. “The contractor is doing a patching round, like every year by the way. It is a fact that more work is needed this year than usual, but that was calculated.”
It’s no secret that the track is worn out. But it was still a shock when a journalist from Le Soir shared the images of the loose top layer on social media. It seemed illogical that top athletes could achieve world performances there on 2 September.
Yet Van Goolen is not in the thick of things. “This is certainly not a big problem. We knew those problems were coming. Appearances can be deceiving and there is certainly not a bigger problem all of a sudden.”
“It is the normal procedure for all sensitive areas to be thoroughly tackled just before the meeting. The city of Brussels has also released extra budget to tackle the extra damage.”
Storm in a glass of water
Wilfried Meert, the head of the Memorial for many years, agrees with Van Goolen: “I have received many messages from people who wondered what was going on. I could not believe my ears. After my return from the European Championships, I immediately went to watch and I can reassure everyone: this is a storm in a teacup.”
“Even more. If you go and look tomorrow, you probably won’t notice anything anymore. The workmen have worked hard and are busy with the last work. A little more painting, drying and everything is ready.”
So panic for nothing? “Actually, yes. Anyone who knows the way of working knows that it is like this every year. The track consists of rollers and they are replaced and put in place every so often.”
Due to the performances by the Rolling Stones and Coldplay, there was some more damage. They have therefore had a huge amount of material brought in with all the consequences that entails, but you won’t see anything of that anymore.
Brand new slope in winter
So the athletes don’t have to worry if they come to Brussels. It is also the last time that they have to walk on the worn track of Brussels.
“Obviously we are overjoyed that there will be a brand new piste next year. For this edition we have to make do with the slopes that are available. It is certainly clean and good enough. Top sport worthy. She will certainly not be worse than in previous years.”
Watch the videos circulating on social media
