Belgium Swims Strong In The Netherlands

Photo Courtesy: Walter Derycke

A few Belgian swimmers traveled to Tilburg, NED to compete against the Dutch elites. Indeed, the Dutch Open Short Course Swimming Championships took place at the sport center ‘de Drieburcht’ in Tilburg Oct. 30-Nov. 1. The Belgian men did not disappoint as some of them swam their best times.

The swimmers that took part of the trip were Jasper Aerents (1992), Nils Vanaudekerke (1996), Louis Croenen (1994), Thomas Thijs (1997), Basten Caerts (1997), Emmanuel Vanluchene (1992), Lander Hendrickx (1994) and Ken Cortens (1993).

The championship was fast but the Belgian swimmers held their colors high and came home with 5 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze medals.

Results:

Aerents: 50 free 22.02 (3^rd), 100 free 48.36 (3^rd), 100 back 59.18 (21^st), 50 fly 24.61 (8^th).
Caerts: 50 breast 29.02 (10^th), 100 breast 1.02.98 (12^th), 200 breast 2.14.67 (7^th), 100 IM 57.68 (10^th), 200 IM 2.02.81 (4^th), 400 IM 4.27.77 (6^th).
Cortens: 100 free 51.59 (26^th), 100 breast 1.05.52 (27^th), 100 fly 57.00 (18^th), 400 IM 4.30.90 (7^th).
Croenen: 50 back 25.22 (1^st), 100 breast 1.03.49 (15^th), 100 fly 53.03 (4^th), 200 fly 1.58.23 (2^nd), 400 IM 4.20.59 (3^rd).
Hendrickx: 400 free 3.49.63 (2^nd), 800 free 8.00.65 (1^st), 50 back 27.00 (13^th), 100 back 56.60 (8^th), 200 back 1.58.62 (1^st), 200 fly 2.06.69 (7^th), 200 IM 2.05.90 (8^th).
Thijs: 50 free 23.55 (25^th), 100 free 52.23 (33^rd), 200 free 1.50.52 (9^th), 400 free 3.58.36 (6^th).
Vanaudekerke: 50 free 24.11 (42^nd), 100 free 48.60 (4^th), 50 back 26.16 (7^th), 100 back 55.64 (6^th), 200 back 1.59.21 (2^nd).
Vanluchene: 50 free 22.42 (5^th), 100 free 48.60 (4^th), 100 IM 53.56 (1^st), 200 IM 1.56.70 (1^st), 400 IM 4.16.51 (2^nd).

Vanluchene broke the Belgian national record in the 200 IM with a strong time of 1.56.70. He himself held the record since 2013 in 1.57.06. When asked how he felt about this new record, he said “I was really surprised and not expecting it. It gave me good feelings for what is next in the season.”

Vanluchene will swim at Belgian Short Course Nationals over the weekend (Nov. 14-15). He is registered to swim 50 – 100 – 200 freestyle, 100 fly and 100 IM as well as 2 relays 4×50 freestyle and 4×50 medley.

In December, Belgium will be headed for European Championships in Israel. The championship will take place in Netanya, Israel, from December 2-6.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use