Eliott Crestan, the Belgian record holder for the 800 meters, is set to begin his international season this Sunday at the Diamond League. Before departing for Rabat, he took a moment to pay tribute to his long-time coach, André Mahy, at the stadium in Jambes which now bears Mahy's name. Since transitioning to a new coaching team that includes Nicolas Benoît and the Borlée brothers based in Louvain-la-Neuve, Crestan has found himself less present at the Jambes stadium, the very place where he began his athletics journey under Mahy's guidance. However, on Wednesday evening, he made a special appearance at a ceremony honoring his first coach, who is now 83 years old. This heartfelt tribute culminated in the stadium being renamed in Mahy's honor, leading to a new identity: the André Mahy Stadium.
Before the ceremony, the 800-meter champion expressed his sentiments, stating, "This is a wonderful recognition for André." The emotional moment was palpable as he embraced his mentor, who was visibly moved by the unexpected honor. "He deserves this for the countless hours he has dedicated here. It’s a beautiful gift!" Crestan's tribute reflects not only his gratitude but also the profound impact that Mahy has had on his athletic career.
As reported by lesoir.be.
