Haile Gebrselassie in the 1998 Memorial Van Damme (© Getty Images)
BrusselsWith the 27th Memorial Van Damme of Brussels, the last leg of the 2003 IAAF Golden League Circuit, just a few hours away, long-time meeting director Wilfried Meert is not shy in saying his meeting will be worth watching.
“The fact that the Memorial Van Damme be the last meeting of the circuit this year do not matter that much since the atmosphere, year after year, has always been great in the Roi Baudoin stadium.
“Obviously the fact that Maria Mutola will be running for the 1 million dollars jackpot is something special. It will add something to the meeting itself.
“Last year, the meeting was sold out with 46,500 spectators packing the arena. This year, having changed the configuration of the podium where the concert is held, we can host 47,000 people. This morning, 46,500 tickets had already been sold so I am very confident it will be another sold-out Van Damme tonight.
“What I am most looking forward to is the 10,000m race tonight. I think that when the best distance runner of all-time, Haile Gebrselassie, specifically asks you to set up a world record pace it means that he truly believes he can do it.
“The 10,000m in Brussels is a tradition we are very proud of and tonight it might even be more special than usual.
“I believe the Memorial Van Damme has been made special because over the years we have tried to elaborate a whole showcase of track and field and not just a succession of events.
“Our band, our concert and our fire works have made us different, and I was very much pleased when I saw that even the World Championships in Paris tried to link the competition to a musical entertainment.
“Music creates a special atmosphere and we have been the first to introduce this concept in track and field some 7 to 8 years ago. That is the way forward to make sure the sport becomes a great show.”