Belgian athlete excluded from European Championships final for bizarre reason: "Absurd!"

Delphine Nkansa proudly represented Belgium at the 2024 European Athletics Championships in Rome. The Belgian sprinter competed individually and with the 4 x 100 women's relay team, also known as the 'Belgian Rockets'.

Individually, she was eliminated in the semi-finals of the 100 meters, but with the relay team, she managed to qualify for the final, according to World Athletics.

The Belgian Rockets clocked 42"85, their best time of the year, per Belgian sports media outlet Sporza, and a possible ticket to the Paris Olympics.

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However, the smiles of the Belgian were soon replaced by mixed feelings, as Nkansa shared some annoying news during the post-race interview with Sporza.

Nkansa explained that she was flying back to Belgium the day before the final (Tuesday), because she had other important obligations to fulfil on Wednesday morning.

The Belgian athlete is studying law in Belgium and had to take an exam on Wednesday. "If I miss that exam, I have to repeat my year," she explained.

It's remarkable that an athlete who was set to represent her country in the final of a major championship, has to withdraw due to other commitments. An opinion that was also voiced by former Belgian athlete Eline Berings, co-commentator for Sporza in Rome.

"Can't the federation make an extra phone call?" Berings wondered.

"It is truly absurd that for someone on this level, it cannot be negotiated to reschedule that exam. It's a real shame," Berings went on.

"Imagine missing the Olympics because you don't run in your strongest line-up in the final and another country goes even faster," Berings worried. What do you think? Should Nkansa have been allowed to compete in the final?

Without Nkansa the Belgian Rockets claimed seventh place. The gold medal went to Great Britain, followed by France (silver) and the Netherlands (bronze). Would Belgium have done better with Nkansa in the final? Let us know what you think in the comments!

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