Belgium’s Olympic medal winners fire up the crowds in the Grand Place

Under a scorching sun, thousands of people welcomed Team Belgium’s Olympic athletes in the Grand Place on Monday evening.

As the temperature peaked at 33°C, spectators braved the heat to celebrate the winning performances of Belgian athletes at the Paris Olympic Games.

The Belgian delegation won 10 medals at the 2024 games, including a historic hat-trick for heptathlete Nafi Thiam and double medals for cyclist Remco Evenepoel.

“It’s hot but it’s important to come. It’s once every four years,” commented a spectator. Firefighters were on hand to cool the crowd down with water hoses.

Singer and MC Average Rob and his band Omdat Het Kan warmed up the audience before the ceremony.

Then the Olympic medallists were welcomed onto the balcony of the town hall by city mayor Philippe Close.

Evenepoel and Thiam were joined by Gabriella Willems, Noor Vidts, Sarah Chaâri, Bashir Abdi and Fabio Van den Bossche, as well as the relay teams and other athletes from Team Belgium, including women’s basketball team the Belgian Cats.

The medalists had the opportunity to show off their silverware and spend a special moment with the fans. Evenpoel took over as DJ to spin a few discs before handing over the microphone. Thiam told crowds she was feeling tired but with her trademark smile managed a few dance moves and the Cats put on their traditional show to enthuse the crowds.

Photos: ©Belga/Virginie Lefour; Team Belgium