Saliyya Guisse wins silver in triple jump at Athletics European Championships

At the Athletics European Championships in Birmingham, Saliyya Guisse delivered a surprising performance by winning silver in the triple jump. Guisse, 30 years old, jumped an impressive 14.46 meters, earning her second place and establishing her as a favorite among Belgian athletes.

Ilona Masson, the 24-year-old Belgian champion, was seen as a contender for a medal. However, she finished in fourth place with a jump of 14.37 meters, just outside the medal positions.

Guisse's medal is the second for Belgium at this Athletics European Championships, and she is the second Belgian triple jumper to win a European medal since Svetlana Bolshakova won bronze in Barcelona in 2010. This victory is particularly notable, as Guisse was initially not part of the Belgian selection for this championship.

Various media outlets note that Guisse's achievement is considered a major surprise, especially given her prior absence from the selection. Belgian athletics fans were astonished by her jump and her ability to exceed expectations.

Positive attention surrounds the performances of Belgian athletes, with many celebrating Guisse's surprise as a chance to kick off the festivities. Masson, while frustrated that she did not make it to the podium, remains an important figure in Belgian athletics.

The attention of Belgian viewers was primarily focused on Masson, but it was Guisse who stole the show. Her unexpected victory adds a special milestone to her athletic career and to Belgian athletics history.