2023-07-30 17:45:15
Helena Ponette won the 400 meters at the Belgian athletics championships on Sunday in Bruges. In the pouring rain, she clocked a solid time of 52.26, her personal best being 51.71.
Ponette edged out Naomi Van Den Broeck, who ran in 52.61. Before the Belgian championships, Ponette was 35th in the World Ranking, the top-36 qualifying for Budapest. We can assume that it will still progress in this ranking and qualify. On the other hand, it will be too fair for Van Den Broeck.
“There was a lot of wind, a lot of rain and the track was very worn,” said Ponette. “So the conditions were anything but good. So I think I put in a strong performance. I’m happy. I started deliberately strong. At the end I felt Naomi getting closer, but I’m happy I was able to contain it. I think the qualification for the Worlds is in the pocket and I will try to cross the playoffs.”
The Cheetahs, stronger than ever, seem to have a chance to shine in Budapest. “The whole team is indeed in good form this season,” added Ponette. “The final must be the minimum objective and after that we will see what is still possible.” Ponette will discuss her participation in the mixed relay after the championships. “But that might be a little too much of course,” she concluded.
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