Belgium has won its first medal at the Winter Olympics. The Belgian Ice Bears raced to third place and bronze in the A final of the mixed relay. Victory went to the host nation Italy.
Belgium wins first medal at Winter Olympics: Belgian Ice Bears take third place in mixed relay and win bronze
Colin Clapson
Published:
Already in the quarterfinals, the Belgian relay team faced a daunting task, up against world champions Canada and defending champions China. But the Belgians' time was good enough to secure them a third place and a spot in the semi-finals.
There, the Belgian Ice Bears experienced the necessary luck, as the US team fell and dragged the South Koreans down with them.
In the A final, Hanne Desmet got the Belgians off to an excellent start and Tineke den Dulk also kept up with the favourites. The Belgians then patiently waited for their chance.
And that chance came. The Chinese made a mistake, allowing Ward Pétré to move up to third place. Stijn Desmet did not let this chance for a medal slip away.
Host nation Italy took the gold ahead of Canada. China, the 2022 champions, were left disappointed.