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🇧🇪 Belgium /Economy & Trade

Pole Vaulters Take Over Leuven's Old Market: 'Now We're Among the People'

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Pole vaulters competed on Leuven's Old Market, known as the 'longest bar in the world'.
  • The event brought athletes and spectators together in a unique urban setting.
  • Organizers and participants praised the atmosphere and the sport's increased visibility.

Leuven's Old Market, famously dubbed the 'longest bar in the world,' transformed into a vibrant athletics arena Saturday evening. Top pole vaulters from Belgium showcased their skills, leaping over the bar amidst a lively crowd and the bustling terraces of the historic square.

I think it belongs here. The atmosphere on the Old Market is fantastic, and people get to know the sport this way.

— Kathleen De WolfA youth coach with 35 years in athletics, describing the unique urban setting of the pole vaulting event.

This unique urban pole vaulting gala offered both seasoned enthusiasts and casual observers an experience far removed from traditional track-and-field competitions. Kathleen De Wolf, a youth coach with 35 years in athletics, lauded the initiative, stating, "I think it belongs here. The atmosphere on the Old Market is fantastic, and people get to know the sport this way." She emphasized the invaluable interaction with the public, noting, "People who come to the Old Market also get to know athletics. Otherwise, we are isolated on a track; now we are among the people. This is simply a great atmosphere."

For many, seeing the sport up close provided a new appreciation for its demands. Visitor Roel, witnessing the athletes compete at such close quarters for the first time, was struck by the physical exertion. "It's a typical sport you know from TV, and then you see it in real life, and only then do you really understand how the muscles work, what really needs to happen," he commented.

People who come to the Old Market also get to know athletics. Otherwise, we are isolated on a track; now we are among the people. This is simply a great atmosphere.

— Kathleen De WolfExplaining the benefit of holding the pole vaulting competition in a public square rather than a traditional track.

The event successfully merged athletic prowess with a festive urban environment, captivating both dedicated fans and spontaneous passersby. The intimate setting allowed for a direct engagement with the sport's technical complexity and the athletes' raw power, fostering a greater connection between the spectators and the competitors.

It's a typical sport you know from TV, and then you see it in real life, and only then do you really understand how the muscles work, what really needs to happen.

— RoelA visitor expressing his newfound appreciation for the physical demands of pole vaulting after watching it live.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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