Alexander Doom Wins European Championship in Belgian Record: Surprising Victory
Alexander Doom, the current world indoor champion, has now added the European title to his list of achievements in the 400 meters. He set a new Belgian record with a time of 44.15 seconds, outshining his competitors. Jonathan Sacoor narrowly missed the podium, finishing in fourth place with a personal best of 44.44 seconds.
Doom started the race cautiously but unleashed a powerful sprint in the final 200 meters, leaving his opponents behind. He surpassed British runner Charlie Dobson to claim the European title.
In a remarkable feat, Doom shattered Jonathan Borlée’s Belgian record of 44.43 seconds with his impressive time of 44.15 seconds, also setting a new championship record. This time ranks as the second-fastest in Europe, with the European record standing at 44.07 seconds. Doom’s performance elevates him as a strong contender for an Olympic medal, as his time at the European Championship would have secured him a bronze in Tokyo.
Following in Borlée’s footsteps, who won the last European title in the 400 meters for Belgium in 2010, Doom’s victory marked the third medal for Belgium at the European Championships and the fifteenth European title in the country’s history.
Reflecting on his triumph, Doom credited his kinesiologist for helping him overcome a muscle injury before the race. Despite initial doubts about his performance, Doom pushed through and clinched the title. He expressed gratitude for the support he received and his determination to excel at the upcoming Olympics.
Doom emphasized the significance of his European title win, highlighting the competitive field and the challenges he faced. Looking ahead to the Olympics, he remains optimistic about his prospects and the potential for success, both individually and as part of the relay team.
As he looks forward to celebrating his victory, Doom humorously mentioned his plans to enjoy a pizza, craving a break from the hotel’s limited dining options. His focus now shifts towards maintaining his fitness and avoiding injuries as he prepares for future competitions.
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