Belgian champion in the rain: Ilona Masson strikes gold on the road to Birmingham
The Allianz Belgian Championships this weekend brought the first rain in months, and it fell hardest exactly when the triple jumpers were on the runway. Ilona Masson, who is at her best in warm and dry conditions, took the day for what it was in the middle of her build-up to Birmingham: a competition that doubled as an extra training session. Even so, she pushed out 14.10m, and that was enough for gold. Ilona Masson is Belgian champion.
The mark sits well below the 14.52m she jumped in Thonon-les-Bains a week ago, but that was never the point. Winning a national title on an off-day, in conditions she dislikes, says as much about her level as a big distance would. With just a few weeks to the European Championships in Birmingham, Ilona is ready.
The weekend had a harder side too. Max Schymkowitz and Lucca Goossens, both sidelined by injury, could only watch from the stands. The men’s long jump and triple jump did not produce big distances, which made looking on all the tougher. Injury is part of an athlete’s road, and both are working their way back. Their day will come.
For now, all eyes turn to Birmingham. On to the European Championships.