On Saturday, Jolien Boumkwo finished 15th in the 100 metres hurdles at the European Athletics National Team Championships in Chorzow, Poland, as part of the European Games.
With a time of 32.81 seconds, the national shot put record holder volunteered for the event after Anne Zagré withdrew too late to fly in a replacement.
Boumkwo, who had already secured seventh place in the shot put on Friday, agreed to replace the hurdler. During the race, a Swiss competitor was disqualified, allowing Boumkwo to pick up not one, but two points.
“When I was asked my opinion and I quickly agreed, but only with the green light from my coach,” explained Boumkwo. “He agreed that if I took it easy and didn’t risk injury. In training, we sometimes do hurdles, so I know how to do it. It was a special experience, I had more spectators than I usually do in the shot put.”
An amazing moment at the European Team Championships 🔥
Belgium's Anne Zagré was going to run the 100m hurdles but got injured 🇧🇪 So shot putter (with every point counting) Jolien Boumkwo stepped in at the last minute and this was the result 🤯pic.twitter.com/2V7l3P2lBh — AW (@AthleticsWeekly) June 24, 2023
Knowing that Belgium would be prevented from progressing in the competition if it didn't have a participant for the hurdles, Boumkwo didn’t hesitate to help out. “I try not to take myself too seriously as an athlete,” she explained. “Two points can make all the difference. If they allow us to stay in the top division, it will really be worth it.”
