The 43-year-old Vanthourenhout resigned as cycling national coach at the end of last year. The West Flemish has been associated with the Belgian cycling federation since 2017, initially as national coach for the cyclo-cross riders, later he combined that position with the task of sporting manager for the road cyclists (men’s promises and elites). In that position, Vanthourenhout achieved some great results with the Belgian team. Last summer, for example, the Olympic Games in Paris were a huge success with a historic double for Remco Evenepoel (gold in the time and road trial) and Wout van Aert (bronze in the time trial). At the end of September at the World Cup in Zurich, his last assignment as national coach, Evenepoel extended his world title against the clock.
Van der Plaetsen helped Nafi Thiam win a third consecutive heptathlon title at the Olympic Games in Paris – an absolute feat. Borlée has been associated with the Belgian Tornados (4×400 meters athletics men) for years, where he achieved one top result after another with his sons Dylan, Jonathan and Kevin. In 2024, the Belgian Tornados won gold at the World Indoor Championships and the European Championships, and they finished fourth at the Olympic Games in Paris. The 67-year-old Borlée previously received the recognition in 2011 and 2012.
Vanthourenhout succeeds Frenchman Rachid Meziane on the honors list, who won the award in 2023 as national coach of the Belgian basketball women (Belgian Cats).