38 Most Successful Belgium Swimming Players of All Time

Marjan Sokolovski

Belgium is a small country with a long history of producing some of the best swimmers in the world. From Olympic champions to world record holders, the country has a long list of talented swimmers.

Some of the most well-known and successful Belgian swimmers include Olympic champions Liesbet van Breedam, Pieter Timmers, and Femke Heemskerk, as well as world record holders Pieter van den Hoogenband and Pieter van den Hoogenband.

We will take a look at some of the best swimmers from Belgium and their accomplishments.

1. Frédérik Deburghgraeve

Frédérik Edouard Robert “Fred” Deburghgraeve is an accomplished former Belgian swimmer, having achieved worldwide recognition for his Olympic gold medal win in the 100 m breaststroke and record-breaking world record at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia.

After an illustrious swimming career, Deburghgraeve has since retired from the sport and now works as a salesman. He currently resides in Roeselare, Belgium, where he enjoys a peaceful life away from the competition and fame of his past.

Throughout his swimming career, Deburghgraeve was a formidable athlete and showed immense promise. In the 1996 Olympics, his preparation paid off with a gold medal-earning swim and a world record-breaking performance.

His win was highly praised, as it was the first Olympic gold medal for Belgium in swimming since the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam. Since his retirement, Deburghgraeve has transitioned into a successful sales career, allowing him to provide for himself and his family.

He continues to be an inspiration to the public, showing that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Additionally, he has given back to the swimming community by offering swimming lessons and advice to aspiring swimmers.

Frédérik Edouard Robert “Fred” Deburghgraeve’s career in swimming has been nothing short of remarkable. From his Olympic gold medal win to his current role as a salesman, he has proven himself to be a capable and successful individual.

His story is a testament to the power of determination and hard work, and he serves as a reminder of the great things that can be achieved with dedication and perseverance.

2. François Heersbrandt

François Heersbrandt is a Belgian swimmer who achieved a great feat at the 2012 Summer Olympics. He was chosen to compete in the 100m butterfly event and made it to the semi-finals, setting a new Belgian record in his qualifying heat.

His impressive performance earned him a spot in the semi-finals of the event, however, he was eventually eliminated. Despite his elimination, Heersbrandt earned the respect of many for his incredible feat and for setting a new Belgian record in the process.

His accomplishment was a testament to his dedication to the sport and his commitment to representing his country on the world stage. Heersbrandt’s story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes around the world, proving that hard work and dedication can take you far.

3. Yoris Grandjean

Yoris Grandjean is a Belgian swimmer who specializes in sprint freestyle events. His success in the sport began when he won two gold medals at the 2006 FINA Youth World Swimming Championships.

This impressive accomplishment put him in the spotlight and he was subsequently chosen to represent Belgium at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Although he did not win a medal during this event, it was an honor to have been selected to compete at such a prestigious event.

Grandjean’s career has since been an inspiration to many aspiring swimmers in Belgium, showing them that hard work and dedication can lead to great success.

4. Tom Vangeneugden

Tom Vangeneugden is a world-class swimmer from Belgium. He was born in the small municipality of Overpelt and currently resides in Overijse.

Tom is a highly accomplished swimmer, as he holds the national records in three different disciplines: 800m, 1500m, and 4×200 freestyle long course.

His exemplary athletics have given him recognition across the country and beyond. Tom has dedicated his life to the sport of swimming. He is a well-rounded athlete, as his records speak for themselves.

His 800m record is one of his most impressive accomplishments, as he has consistently swam faster and further than any of his competitors. His 1500m record is also very impressive, as he has managed to remain consistent with his impressive times.

His 4×200 freestyle long course record is a testament to his endurance and commitment to the sport. Tom’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. He has been featured in various media outlets, from newspapers to television, for his impressive accomplishments.

Tom is a role model for many aspiring swimmers, as he shows that hard work and dedication can lead to success. His records are a testament to his hard work and commitment to the sport. Tom Vangeneugden is a remarkable swimmer from Belgium.

His accomplishments have made him a national icon and a role model for aspiring swimmers. His commitment to the sport has allowed him to achieve remarkable success, and his records serve as a reminder of his dedication and perseverance.

5. Emmanuel Vanluchene

Emmanuel Vanluchene is a talented athlete from Belgium. He is an accomplished swimmer and is proudly representing his country at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

As a part of the Belgian Olympic team, Vanluchene is part of a select group of athletes that have been chosen to compete at the highly prestigious event.

He is looking to make a name for himself and represent his country with pride and grace. Vanluchene has been swimming competitively since he was a young boy and has worked hard to get to the level he is now.

His dedication and commitment have earned him the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

He is determined to make the most of this opportunity and prove himself worthy of representing his country. Vanluchene’s performance at the 2012 Summer Olympics will be pivotal in his career and his country’s success.

He is a symbol of hope and motivation for many athletes in Belgium and around the world. With his determination and hard work, Vanluchene is sure to make a mark on the international stage.

6. Ward Bauwens

Ward Bauwens is a Belgian swimmer who has achieved great success in individual medley events. He is a resident athlete for the Brabo Antwerp team and is currently studying medicine at the University of Antwerp.

Prior to his Olympic debut, Bauwens had broken his own 400 IM record multiple times, repeatedly pushing himself to new heights. His impressive dedication to the sport has made him one of the most successful athletes in Belgium.

As a result of his hard work and determination, Bauwens has become an inspiration to many young athletes, showing them that through dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.

7. Roos Vanotterdijk

Roos Vanotterdijk is an exceptional competitive swimmer from Belgium.

She holds the Belgian records in long course 50 metre freestyle, 100 metre freestyle, 50 metre backstroke, 100 metre backstroke, and 100 metre butterfly, as well as in short course 50 metre backstroke and 100 metre individual medley.

This impressive list of records demonstrates her outstanding achievements within the swimming community and showcases her incredible talent as a swimmer.

In the long course events, Roos holds the record in 50 metre freestyle, 100 metre freestyle, 50 metre backstroke, 100 metre backstroke, and 100 metre butterfly.

The long course events take place in a 50-metre pool, meaning that the swimmers need to cover a greater distance than in a short course event.

Roos’ ability to remain focused and to perform at a world-class level for the duration of the long course events is a testament to her commitment and dedication to her sport.

In addition to her long course records, Roos also holds the Belgian record in short course 50 metre backstroke and 100 metre individual medley.

Short course events take place in a 25-metre pool, and the swimmers must be able to maintain a high level of performance over a shorter distance. Roos’ success in both long-course and short course events highlights her versatility as an athlete.

It is clear that Roos Vanotterdijk is an elite swimmer who has achieved remarkable success in the sport. Her impressive list of records confirms her status as one of Belgium’s top swimmers and serves as an inspiration to aspiring swimmers everywhere.

8. Valentine Dumont

Valentine Dumont is a talented swimmer from Belgium who has achieved success in the sport both nationally and internationally. In 2017, she won silver in the 200 metre freestyle at the European Junior Swimming Championships in Netanya, Israel.

Her accomplishments did not end there, however; in 2019 she competed in the women’s 200 meter freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships. Her ability and determination have allowed her to reach the global stage and make a name for herself in the swimming world.

She is an excellent role model for aspiring swimmers.

9. Kimberly Buys

Kimberly Buys is a Belgian swimmer who specializes in the Women’s 100 metre butterfly. She first competed in the Olympics at the 2012 Summer Games in London, where she finished 19th in the heats of the 100 metre butterfly and 29th in the 100 metre backstroke.

Four years later, she returned to the Olympics at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, where she had much improved success. She finished 13th in the 100 metre butterfly, a considerable improvement from her 19th place finish four years prior.

Her success in the 2016 Olympics demonstrated her growth as an athlete and showcased her potential for future success.

10. Paul De Backer

Paul De Backer was an accomplished Belgian swimmer. He made a name for himself in the swimming world when he competed in the men’s 1500-metre freestyle event at the 1920 Summer Olympics.

This was a monumental achievement for De Backer, as it was the first time he had ever competed in an Olympic event. He was one of the few Belgian athletes to have the opportunity to compete in the Olympics that year and his performance was highly praised.

De Backer was commended for his hard work and determination to reach his goals. He was an inspiration to many, and his legacy continues to be remembered and celebrated in the swimming community.

11. Brigitte Becue

Brigitte Becue is a retired professional swimmer from Belgium. She has competed in four Summer Olympics, beginning in 1988.

Her greatest accomplishment was in 1989 when she won the silver medal in the 200 metre breaststroke at the European Aquatics Championships in Bonn, West Germany. This was a major milestone for Becue and for Belgian swimming.

Her success in the pool at such a high level event was an inspiration to swimmers around the world and a testament to the hard work and dedication she had put into her training.

Becue’s career as a professional swimmer has been an inspiration to many, and she is an example of how hard work and dedication can pay off.

12. François Simons

François Simons is a retired Belgian swimmer who had competed in the 1964 and 1968 Summer Olympics. He had participated in the 100 m and 200 m freestyle events, however he was unable to reach the finals.

Simons had trained vigorously for the competitions and had a strong determination to succeed. Despite this, he was not able to make it to the finals in either of the competitions.

His dedication and hard work, however, did not go in vain as the experience was still valuable to him. Simons’ Olympic journey may have come to an end, but his legacy lives on as an example of determination and hard work.

13. Louis Van Parijs

Louis Van Parijs, also spelled Parys, was an exceptional swimmer from Belgium. He made his mark in European Aquatics Championships in the 1920s, where he won two medals in the 200m breaststroke. His first medal was in 1926, followed by another in 1927.

This was an impressive accomplishment, as it showed that he was a consistent and talented swimmer. Van Parijs was known for his strong swim strokes and technique. He was a powerful swimmer who could move through the water with ease.

He was also an intelligent competitor who knew how to strategize and take advantage of his opponent’s weaknesses. Despite the competition, he was able to come out victorious time and time again. Louis Van Parijs was an important figure in Belgian sports history.

His medals at the European Aquatics Championships were a testament to his skill and dedication. His accomplishments set the standard for future swimmers in Belgium and abroad. His legacy will live on for generations to come.

14. Mathieu Fonteyn

Mathieu Fonteyn is a retired Belgian swimmer who competed in both freestyle and butterfly events. He had the honor of representing his country at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

During the Olympics, he managed to place himself among the top 20 swimmers and set a new Belgian record in the 200 m butterfly event. Fonteyn is a highly accomplished swimmer, having achieved success in a number of national and international competitions.

He was a three-time national champion in both the 50 m and 100 m freestyle events.

In addition, he also won a bronze medal at the 2006 European Junior Swimming Championships in the 200 m butterfly event. Fonteyn has been recognized for his achievements in the sport, having been named the Belgian Swimmer of the Year in 2007.

He was also a two-time recipient of the Belgian Swimming Federation’s “Best Performance” award in 2008 and 2009. Though his competitive career has come to an end, Fonteyn continues to be involved in the swimming world.

He currently serves as a coach for the Royal Belgian Swimming Federation and is involved in a number of community outreach programs. Through his work, Fonteyn aims to inspire young swimmers to reach their goals and become successful athletes.

15. Thierry Wouters

Thierry Wouters is a remarkable figure in Belgian swimming. He is a former swimmer who specialized in sprint freestyle events.

He made his mark in the sport by becoming a single-time Olympian and a former Belgian record holder in the 50 and 100 m freestyle. This is a remarkable achievement for any swimmer, regardless of their nation of origin.

To be an Olympic athlete is an honor that few people get to experience, and for Thierry to have achieved this feat is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Furthermore, to have held the Belgian record in two different sprint freestyle events is a remarkable feat of skill and determination. His achievements are all the more impressive when one considers the fact that Belgium is not a major swimming nation.

To have achieved such success in a small country is a testament to his natural talent and drive to succeed. Thierry Wouters is a prime example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.

His accomplishments in the pool are a source of inspiration for aspiring swimmers, and a reminder of what can be achieved with a strong work ethic.

16. Gaspard Lemaire

Gaspard Lemaire was a Belgian swimmer who competed in the 1920 Summer Olympics. He participated in the men’s 100 metre backstroke event, an event which requires swimmers to swim 100 metres of backstroke in a pool.

Lemaire was one of many athletes from Belgium to compete in the event and was likely proud to be representing his country. The 1920 Summer Olympics were held in Antwerp, Belgium and was the first time the Olympic Games were held after World War I.

Consequently, the event was seen as a symbol of unity and hope for a better future. Lemaire did not win any medals in the event, but he was among the many athletes who took part in the event and contributed to the spirit of the Games.

His participation in the Olympics was a testament to Belgium’s dedication to sports and their commitment to the Olympic spirit.

17. Jacques Henrard

Jacques Henrard is a Belgian athlete who made a name for himself as a swimmer in the freestyle and medley events. He had a successful competitive career and even earned the opportunity to compete at the 1968 Summer Olympics.

At the Olympics, Jacques took part in two events, showcasing his individual talent and determination. His success at the Olympics helped solidify Jacques’ place in the history of Belgian swimming, as he was able to demonstrate his capabilities on the world stage.

He is remembered fondly by fans of the sport and is an inspiration to young athletes hoping to one day reach the same heights.

18. Joseph Meyten

Joseph Meyten is an athlete who achieved great success in the sport of swimming. He was born in Belgium and was an Olympic swimmer in 1968.

He competed in the 100 meter butterfly event at the Olympic Games in Mexico City. Meyten was a very talented swimmer and had been training since a young age. He was very dedicated to his training and focused on the sport of swimming in order to reach his goals.

He was part of the Belgian National Team and his hard work paid off when he was chosen to compete in the 1968 Summer Olympics. At the Olympics, Meyten competed in the men’s 100 metre butterfly event.

He managed to reach the finals of the event, and his hard work and dedication was rewarded with a respectable finish.

He placed sixth in the event, showcasing his impressive skill in the pool. Joseph Meyten is an inspirational athlete, and a reminder of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and passion.

He showed that with enough determination, even the most seemingly impossible goals can be achieved.

19. Rudi Vingerhoets

Rudi Vingerhoets is a former competitive swimmer from Belgium. He had a successful career in the sport of swimming, most notably competing in the 1972 Summer Olympics.

During the Olympics, he took part in two events: the men’s 100 metre breaststroke and the men’s 200 metre breaststroke.

In both events, Vingerhoets performed admirably, displaying his skill and technique and showing the world why he was one of the top swimmers in the world at the time.

He may not have won any medals, but his dedication to the sport of swimming was evident and he proved to be a valuable asset to the Belgian swim team.

Since his Olympic debut, Vingerhoets has gone on to become a successful coach, helping to develop the next generation of competitive swimmers.

Ultimately, Rudi Vingerhoets is an exemplary athlete who has made a lasting impact on the sport of swimming and will continue to inspire future generations of swimmers.

20. Brian Ryckeman

Brian Ryckeman is a Belgian professional swimmer who has achieved great success in the sport. He is an expert in Open Water Swimming, a specialized form of swimming which takes place in large bodies of water.

Ryckeman has had the honor of representing his country in two Olympic Games. He competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

At both events, he showed his skill and talent, and he is now regarded as one of the best open water swimmers in the world. Ryckeman has made it his mission to inspire more people to take up the sport of swimming and to push the limits of what can be achieved in the water.

His hard work and dedication to the sport is a testament to the power of determination and drive.

21. Sidney Appelboom

Sidney Appelboom is a retired Belgian swimmer who specialized in breaststroke and medley events. He was an Olympian, having competed in three events at the 1988 Summer Olympics.

However, his greatest achievement was at the 1989 Maccabiah Games in Israel, where he won a gold medal in the 200 m breaststroke. This victory was considered a major accomplishment for Appelboom, as it was his first major international win.

Since then, Appelboom has become a prominent figure in his native Belgium, as well as in the international swimming community. He remains an inspiration to many aspiring swimmers, especially those from the European region.

22. Paul Neeckx

Paul Neeckx was a gifted swimmer from Belgium. He had a passion for the sport and was determined to make a name for himself in the world of swimming.

In 1920, his dream became a reality when he was selected to represent his country in the men’s 200 metre breaststroke event at the Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium. It was a huge accomplishment for Paul, and he was determined to make the most of the opportunity.

After months of intense training, Paul was ready to take the plunge. He put in an impressive performance and finished fourth in the competition, just missing out on a medal.

Although he didn’t win a medal, Paul’s performance still earned him the admiration and respect of his peers and the nation of Belgium.

His determination and hard work will always be remembered, and he stands as a great example of what can be achieved with dedication and determination.

23. Jacques Leloup

Jacques Leloup is a former butterfly swimmer from Belgium. He is best known for his performance at the 1972 Summer Olympic Games, where he competed in two events.

Leloup was a promising swimmer in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and his participation in the 1972 Olympics marked a high point in his career. He was one of the top butterfly swimmers in the world at the time, and he was expected to have a strong showing at the Games.

Unfortunately, he did not manage to win any medals, but his participation was still noteworthy. During his Olympic events, he displayed incredible skill and stamina, and his efforts were widely praised.

Although Jacques Leloup did not win any medals at the 1972 Olympic Games, he will always be remembered for his determination and skill as a butterfly swimmer.

24. Franky De Groote

Franky De Groote is a Belgian swimmer who specializes in backstroke and medley events. He had the opportunity to compete at the 1980 Summer Olympics in three swimming events.

This was a great achievement for De Groote as the Olympics is the highest level of competition in the sport. De Groote began his swimming career at a young age, and his hard work and dedication to the sport led him to the Olympics.

He is a very accomplished swimmer, having won numerous national and international medals, including gold medals at the European Championships in 1979 and 1981.

De Groote has also served as a coach for the Belgium national team since 2005 and has been credited with helping to develop a number of successful swimmers.

His experience and knowledge of the sport have helped him to become a successful coach and mentor to the next generation of swimmers. Franky De Groote is a true example of a talented athlete who has dedicated his life to the sport of swimming.

His Olympic appearance in 1980 was a testament to his hard work and dedication, and he has since gone on to have a successful career as a coach and mentor.

25. Fernand Feyaerts

Fernand Feyearts was a remarkable athlete who represented Belgium in the early Olympic Games. He was a talented swimmer and water polo player and excelled in both sports. Feyearts was part of the Belgian team at the 1900 Summer Olympics and the 1908 Summer Olympics.

During these two Olympics, he achieved great success, winning a silver medal in each competition. His accomplishments in the pool and on the water polo field demonstrate his dedication and skill as an athlete.

Feyearts was part of a wave of Belgian athletes who were making a name for themselves on the international stage. He was a pioneer in the sport, paving the way for other Belgian athletes to follow in his footsteps.

His success in the pool and at water polo were a great source of pride for Belgium, and his silver medals were a testament to his hard work and determination. Feyearts’ legacy lives on in the many athletes who have followed in his footsteps.

He is an example of what dedication and hard work can lead to, and his accomplishments are a source of pride for the Belgian nation. Whether in the pool or on the field, Feyearts was a dedicated athlete who worked hard to achieve his goals.

His silver medals are a testament to his skill and determination.

26. Jean-Marie Arnould

Jean-Marie Arnould is a retired Belgian swimmer who achieved success in both butterfly and freestyle events. He had a successful career as a competitive swimmer, representing Belgium in international competitions.

His greatest achievement came at the 1988 Summer Olympics where he competed in four events. He had a particularly strong showing in the butterfly events, with a sixth-place finish in the 200-meter butterfly and an eighth-place finish in the 100-meter butterfly.

In addition to his success in butterfly events, Arnould also competed in two freestyle events, the 100-meter freestyle and 400-meter freestyle.

While he did not medal in any of his events, his performances were impressive and he was able to make a name for himself as an Olympic-level swimmer.

Following the Olympics, Arnould retired from competitive swimming and has since devoted his time and energy to coaching and mentoring young swimmers.

37. Herman Verbauwen

Herman Verbauwen was a talented swimmer who represented Belgium in the Olympics. He had a distinguished career, participating in three different Olympics, starting in 1960 and ending in 1968. During this time, he specialized in freestyle and backstroke.

This is quite impressive, as it requires a great deal of dedication and skill to compete in the Olympics for many years. Herman Verbauwen was born in Belgium and took to swimming early in life. He eventually developed his talent and was able to compete at the highest level.

At the 1960 Olympics, he competed in the freestyle and backstroke events. He performed well, given the competition he faced. The 1964 Olympics saw a similar performance from him, with his best result being a fifth-place finish in the 4×200 meter freestyle relay.

Finally, at the 1968 Olympics, he was able to reach the semi-finals of the freestyle events but was unable to secure a place in the finals. Overall, Herman Verbauwen had an impressive career in the Olympics.

He was able to compete in three different Summer Olympics, which is a testament to his determination and skill. While he was unable to secure a medal, his consistent performances have earned him recognition as a great swimmer.

28. Gilbert Desmit

Gilbert Desmit is a former breaststroke swimmer who hails from Belgium. He was an accomplished athlete, having had the honor of representing his country on the world stage at the 1956 and 1960 Summer Olympics.

At the 1956 Summer Olympics, held in Melbourne, Australia, Desmit competed in the men’s 100-meter breaststroke event. Unfortunately, he did not medal at the event, but his presence at the Olympics was a testament to his incredible athleticism.

Four years later, Desmit was back for the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy. This time, he competed in the 200-meter breaststroke event. Although he did not medal at the event, his presence and competitive spirit were admired by many.

Gilbert Desmit is an example of an athlete who dedicated himself to the sport and worked hard to represent his home country on the world stage.

29. Louis Kozma

Louis Kozma was a Belgian athlete who made his mark on the international stage in the 1956 Summer Olympics. He was a swimmer, and he competed in the men’s 200 metre breaststroke event.

This was a significant achievement for Kozma, as it showed his dedication and hard work to become one of the best swimmers in the world. Kozma had worked hard for years to reach his peak as a swimmer, and he was rewarded for his efforts in the 1956 Olympics.

Although he did not win any medals, his performance demonstrated his excellence in the sport and earned him recognition from his peers.

His appearance in the event was a testament to his determination and drive to be one of the best swimmers. Kozma’s legacy remains today, as he is still remembered as one of the greatest Belgian swimmers of all time.

He set the bar for future generations of swimmers, and his accomplishments serve as an inspiration to all athletes who strive for excellence. His appearance in the 1956 Olympics will forever be remembered as a significant event in sports history and in Belgian history.

30. Joseph Reynders

Joseph Reynders is a renowned athlete from Belgium.

He is most well-known for his participation in two different Olympic events: the 1500 metre freestyle and water polo. At the 1948 Summer Olympics, Reynders competed in the men’s 1500 metre freestyle, where he achieved a respectable performance.

His experience in the pool gave him the expertise he needed to compete in the water polo tournament at the 1952 Summer Olympics, where he once again demonstrated his excellent swimming skills. Throughout his career, Reynders has proven himself to be a formidable competitor, with a well-rounded ability to excel in different sports.

His commitment and dedication to the sports of swimming and water polo have earned him a great deal of respect from his peers and fans alike. Reynders’ participation in the Olympics is a testament to his skill and determination.

He has shown that it is possible to excel in multiple sports and be successful in achieving one’s goals. His success in both the 1500 meter freestyle and water polo tournaments is a reminder that with hard work and commitment, anything is possible.

31. Ludovicus Schoenmaekers

Ludovicus Schoenmaekers is a former swimmer from Belgium. He was an active competitor in the 1952 Summer Olympics, competing in the men’s 200 metre breaststroke event.

His involvement in the Olympics is a testament to his dedication to the sport of swimming and his skill as a swimmer. At the time of his Olympic appearance, Schoenmaekers was at the peak of his career as a swimmer.

He had been competing in swimming events for many years and had made a name for himself as a formidable athlete.

Because of his skill and dedication to the sport, Schoenmaekers was selected to represent his country in the Olympic games. Although Schoenmaekers was unable to medal in the men’s 200 metre breaststroke event, his involvement in the Olympics was a remarkable achievement in itself.

His participation in the games was an honor to both himself and his native country. It was a testament to the level of talent and dedication he had for the sport of swimming. Today, Schoenmaekers is remembered for his impressive feats in the 1952 Summer Olympics.

He is a source of inspiration for many aspiring young swimmers, who can look to his example as a reminder of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. His legacy as an Olympic athlete will continue to be remembered for years to come.

32. Joseph De Combe

Joseph De Combe was an accomplished swimmer and water polo player from Belgium. He was an Olympic competitor in the 1924, 1928 and 1936 Summer Olympics. In the 1924 Olympics, he achieved great success by winning a silver medal in the 200 meter breaststroke event.

Additionally, he was part of the Belgian water polo team which also won a silver medal at the same Olympics.

His success in the 1924 Olympics established him as a prominent athlete in both swimming and water polo.De Combe likely also enjoyed success in the 1928 and 1936 Olympics. However, details of his accomplishments in those games are not available.

Despite the lack of information, it is clear that Joseph De Combe was a talented and dedicated athlete who achieved success at the highest level of international competition.

His accomplishments in the 1924 Olympics will likely remain a source of pride for Belgian athletes for generations to come.

33. Pieter Timmers

Pieter Timmers is a retired Belgian competitive swimmer who had a great career highlighted by his silver medal in the 100 meter freestyle at the 2016 Olympics.

He was an impressive swimmer who specialized in sprint freestyle events, and as a result, he achieved nine Belgian records, as well as seven national titles in both long and short-course freestyle.

This is a remarkable accomplishment considering the level of competition in the swimming world today. Throughout his career, Timmers has been consistent in performing at a high level, and his hard work has paid off with the multiple records and titles he holds.

His silver medal in the 2016 Olympics is a testament to his dedication, as it is one of the highest achievements a swimmer can earn. His legacy will continue to be remembered for years to come as an example of excellence in the sport of competitive swimming.

34. Louis Croenen

Louis Croenen is a Belgian competitive swimmer who has represented his country in the Olympic Games. He first competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics in the 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay event.

Four years later, in 2016, he returned to the Olympic stage and competed in the men’s 200 metre butterfly event and the men’s 4 x 200 metre freestyle relay event. His performance in the 4 x 200 metre freestyle relay event in 2016 earned him a bronze medal.

This result is a testimony to his skill and dedication as a swimmer, and his commitment to the sport. He has become an inspiration to aspiring swimmers in Belgium, showing that it is possible to achieve success in the Olympic arena.

35. Oscar Grégoire

Oscar Grégoire Jr. was an incredibly accomplished athlete. He was a Belgian water polo player and backstroke swimmer who competed in three Olympic Games: the 1900 Summer Olympics, the 1908 Summer Olympics, and the 1912 Summer Olympics.

At all three Olympic Games, he was part of the Belgian water polo team and won two silver and one bronze medal. His impressive medal haul is a testament to his skill as an athlete and his dedication to his sport. Grégoire’s success in the water polo arena was remarkable.

His team won silver medals at the 1900 and 1908 Summer Olympics, and a bronze medal at the 1912 Summer Olympics.

His water polo career was particularly impressive considering the fact that these Games were much earlier in the history of the modern Olympics when the competition was much stiffer. Grégoire was also an accomplished backstroke swimmer.

He competed in individual events at all three Olympic Games and was able to reach the semi-finals in both the 1908 and 1912 Summer Olympics. His swimming performances displayed Grégoire’s prowess in the water and his dedication to his craft.In conclusion, Oscar Grégoire Jr.

was a highly accomplished athlete who competed in three Olympic Games and won two silver and one bronze medal. His success in both water polo and backstroke swimming demonstrates his skill and dedication to his sport.

He is a true Olympic champion and should be remembered for his impressive achievements.

36. Herman Meyboom

Herman Meyboom was a Belgian athlete who competed in the 1908 and 1912 Summer Olympics in both water polo and freestyle swimming. He had a remarkable career and achieved great success, as he was the youngest male to ever win an Olympic silver medal in water polo.

On 22 July 1908, Meyboom won his silver medal at the age of 18 years and 334 days, making him the record holder for the youngest male Olympic silver medalist in water polo. In addition to his incredible success in water polo, Meyboom also excelled in swimming.

He was an excellent freestyle swimmer and competed successfully in both the 1908 and 1912 Olympics. Meyboom was an impressive athlete and his achievements in both water polo and swimming are a testament to his dedication and determination to succeed.

He is an inspiring figure and his remarkable achievement of becoming the youngest male to ever win an Olympic silver medal in water polo is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

37. Jasper Aerents

Jasper Aerents is a Belgian competitive swimmer who is currently making waves in the world of swimming. He is most known for his impressive performances in freestyle sprint events.

Aerents began swimming at a young age and was quickly identified as a talented swimmer with a lot of potential. As he started to compete in races, he found that he had a natural talent for sprints, particularly freestyle.

He has since then become one of the best Belgian swimmers in the freestyle sprint events and has been highly successful in both regional and international competitions. Aerents has achieved a number of prestigious titles, including multiple national and continental records.

He is also a prominent figure in the Belgian swimming scene, often representing the country in international events. Aerents is a passionate swimmer who works hard to get the best out of himself.

He is constantly striving to improve his technique and endurance to become the best swimmer he can be. He is also an ambassador for the sport, encouraging young people to take it up and take part in competitions.

With his hard work and commitment to the sport, Jasper Aerents is set to continue to make a splash in the world of swimming.

38. Glenn Surgeloose

Glenn Surgeloose is a talented swimmer from Belgium, who has specialized in sprint freestyle events. He achieved great success in 2007 when he won a bronze medal in the 200 m freestyle at the European Junior Swimming Championships in his home country.

Surgeloose is a member of the Brabo Antwerp swimming club and is currently trained and coached by Ronald Gaastra. His success at the European Junior Swimming Championships is indicative of his hard work and dedication to the sport.

Surgeloose is a great example of what can be achieved with a combination of talent, hard work and dedication. He is also a great ambassador for his country and for the sport of swimming.

Conclusion

The best swimming players in Belgium have shown that they have the potential to compete at the highest levels of the sport. They have achieved international success, and have been able to represent their country proudly.

Their dedication and hard work have paid off in the form of medals and accolades. With the continued support of the Belgian Swimming Federation and the drive of these talented athletes, the future of Belgian swimming looks bright.

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Marjan Sokolovski

I am a professional swimming coach who has been coaching for over 20 years. I have coached athletes in the Olympics and Paralympics, and I have also helped to train people across the world. I started my coaching career by teaching swimming lessons at a local pool. I was really passionate about teaching people how to swim, but I quickly realized that this wasn't enough for me. I wanted to make a difference in people's lives and help them achieve their goals. I started working with athletes in high school, college, and then professionally. The best part about coaching is that you get the opportunity to work with so many different types of people from all walks of life - it's just incredible! LinkedIn