As the Paris Olympics are set to kick off this Friday, Belgium has emerged as a potential standout in the medal race, according to recent predictions from sports data firm Gracenote.
The latest analysis suggests that Belgium could secure a total of 12 medals, marking its best Olympic performance since the 1924 Games, which were also held in France.
Gracenote’s predictions, which are based on a comprehensive assessment of past performances at the Olympics, World Cups, and World Championships, have been revised upwards from last month’s forecast of 11 medals.
This surge in expectations has positioned Belgium 20th in the anticipated medal table, a significant boost for the nation’s Olympic aspirations.
Belgian Athletes Eyeing Gold
Belgium’s promising prospects include four gold medals, with several athletes leading the charge. Nafissatou Thiam, the three-time consecutive European heptathlon champion, is expected to continue her dominant form and claim gold once again.
Her rise in the predictions reflects a positive shift from her previous forecasted position, underscoring her readiness for the Games.
In cycling, Remco Evenepoel is a standout contender in the time trial, following his notable third-place finish in the Tour de France—making him the first Belgian male to podium in the competition in 43 years.
Additionally, Lotte Kopecky, the 2023 world road cycling champion and Belgian Sportswoman of the Year, is favored to win gold in the road race.
Matthias Casse, who secured a bronze medal in judo during the 2020 Olympics, is also anticipated to clinch a gold medal this year, reflecting his continued excellence in the sport.
Silver Medals Forecasted to Drop
The revised predictions indicate a decline in Belgium’s expected silver medals, forecasting only two compared to the five predicted in June. In equestrian eventing, which includes dressage, cross-country, and show jumping, Belgium is projected to finish in second place.
Similarly, Sarah Chaâri, the 19-year-old taekwondo prodigy and Belgium’s first female World Taekwondo champion, is anticipated to win silver in her category.
Notably, Belgium’s men’s 4 × 400 meters relay team, known as the Belgian Tornados, and the men’s national field hockey team, the Red Lions, have seen their medal prospects reduced from silver to bronze.
Additionally, Belgian showjumper Pieter Devos, initially forecasted to compete for a medal, has not been selected for the Games.
Bronze Medal Contenders
Belgium’s potential for six bronze medals highlights several athletes who are expected to finish just shy of the top spots.
Alongside her predicted gold in road cycling, Kopecky is forecasted to win bronze in the omnium category.
The cycling pair of Hélène Hesters and Katrijn De Clercq is also anticipated to secure bronze in their event.
The Belgian Tornados and the Red Lions, now projected for bronze, will face strong competition in their respective events.
In men’s road cycling, Wout van Aert is tipped to take bronze, while gymnast Nina Derwael, who previously secured Belgium’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in gymnastics, is forecasted to win bronze on the uneven bars.
Looking Ahead
Gracenote’s predictions, while optimistic, come with a caveat. In the last Summer Olympics in Tokyo, the firm forecasted 11 medals for Belgium, but the nation ultimately secured only seven.
As the Games approach, Belgium’s athletes will be keen to exceed expectations and make history on the Olympic stage.
As always, the final results will be determined by performances in the coming weeks, and Belgium will be hoping to deliver on its forecasted promise.
Meanwhile, the United States, China, and Great Britain are expected to lead the medal tally, with the U.S. projected to top the chart with 112 medals.
With the Games set to begin, all eyes will be on Belgium to see if these predictions translate into a record-setting performance.
