Doom achieves PR and ticket Play

Doom finished second in the sixth race (44.92), a solid improvement on his personal best (45.28). He advanced directly to the semi-finals. In addition, he is the third athlete in the history of Belgian athletics to run the 400 meters under 45 seconds, after the twin brothers Jonathan Borlée (44.43) and Kevin Borlée (44.56).

Quick start

“Going under 45 seconds is special,” says the 26-year-old Roeselarenaar. “To be behind Jonathan and Kevin now is even more special. The level in Belgium is so high. I expected to set a fast time, but not that fast.” He adds: “I’m really happy. Everything came together: the good preparation, a good track, great weather and the strong competition. The idea was to start a little faster than usual. The German Manuel Sanders was a perfect reference point in the first two hundred meters.”

Ticket to Paris

With 44.92, Doom also dipped below the limit for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. It is at 45.00. The semi-finals are scheduled for Tuesday in the evening session. The final follows on Thursday in the evening session. “Now we have to be as fresh as possible for the semi-finals and I’m not going to complain about the extra rest day,” concluded Doom.