The World Games 2017 ended 9 days ago. Let’s remind ourselves of some of the highlights of the Games:
Belgians reach the summit at The World Games
Which nationalities would you expect to excel at Sport Climbing? Obviously, somewhere with mountains would be a great start. So, you would give the Belgian climber no chance of finishing anywhere other than last. However, Anak Verhoeven did not let a small thing like a lack of mountains in her native country deter her. In the Sport Climbing Women's Lead final on Sunday 23 July she powered up the wall to take the most unlikely gold medal of The World Games so far. This rounded off a day of high drama for Belgium, Sandrine Tas topping the podium in the morning after winning the 1000m sprint in the Roller Speed Skating and then claiming silver in the evening's 15,000m elimination race. Her feats ensured that she deservedly became the first Belgian at The World Games 2017 to be awarded IWGA Athlete of the Day, powered by Tissot.
Chinese Taipei stun Korfball, breaking European dominance
Chinese Taipei's underdogs created Korfball history with their shock 22-18 semi final victory over Belgium, the sport's second best team. All previous finals at both The World Games and Korfball's World Championships have been strictly Dutch speaking affairs, with the Belgians always claiming the silver medal behind the all-conquering Netherlands. The only exception to the natural order occurred in 1991, when the Belgians in front of their home fans secured an emotional and solitary World Championship victory over their Dutch neighbours. Chinese Taipei's dramatic and deserved victory sent shockwaves across a sport, and their silver medal felt for many like gold!
