Rutger Smith on European Athletics Championships: ‘Easing selection criteria has paid off’

Belgium has had a successful European Athletics Championships, securing a total of four medals. Top sports coordinator Rutger Smith recently spoke about the easing of selection criteria for the athletes.

According to Smith, this easing has had a positive impact on Belgian athletes. However, he emphasizes that taking everyone to such a championship is an expensive option.

This is Smith's first media appearance since the parliamentary hearings in November 2025, in which the selection criteria were discussed. He now has the opportunity to analyze the results of the championships and reflect on the decisions that were made.

The performances of Belgian athletes are now being evaluated in light of the choices made, with the economy of participation also being taken into account.