Belgium has a rich history in professional wrestling, with some of the best wrestlers in the world having come from the country. From the greats of the past to the rising stars of today, there is no shortage of talent when it comes to the Belgian wrestling scene.
Whether you’re looking for a veteran grappler or an up-and-coming star, you’ll find plenty to admire in the Belgian wrestling scene. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best wrestling players in Belgium.
1. Jean Smet
Jean Smet was an accomplished Belgian wrestler who had the honor of representing his country at the 1928 Summer Olympics. He was part of the men’s freestyle lightweight division, a weight class in which athletes compete using traditional wrestling techniques.
Smet was one of many talented athletes who competed at the 1928 Summer Olympics, though he did not win any medals. Smet was born in Belgium in 1901 and began his wrestling career at a young age.
He was an experienced wrestler by the time he was selected to represent his country at the 1928 Summer Olympics. At the games, he faced tough competition from other wrestlers around the world.
Despite his best efforts, he was unable to claim any medals. Jean Smet may not have won any medals at the 1928 Summer Olympics, but he left a lasting impression on the world of wrestling. He was an inspiration to many, and his legacy lives on today.
He is remembered as a great athlete who represented his country with pride and honor.
2. Gustave Colpaert
Georges Colpaert was a Belgian wrestler who competed in the 1928 Summer Olympics in the men’s Greco-Roman heavyweight division.
He was born in Belgium and began his wrestling career there before competing in the Olympics. Colpaert was a highly skilled wrestler and was well-versed in the Greco-Roman style of wrestling.
He was able to use his strength and technique to his advantage and was able to defeat many of his opponents.
He was a powerful wrestler who was able to control his opponents and dominate the mat. At the 1928 Summer Olympics, Colpaert was one of the favorites to win the gold medal in the men’s heavyweight division.
He was able to make it to the finals where he faced off against the Finnish wrestler, Karl-Erik Kurenniemi. Colpaert was able to defeat Kurenniemi and won the gold medal. Colpaert is remembered today as one of the best wrestlers of his time.
He was able to achieve great success and was able to bring Belgium glory with his gold medal win at the Olympics. He was respected for his skill and ability as a wrestler and is still remembered today as one of the greatest wrestlers in Belgian history.
3. Jean de Feu
Jean de Feu was an accomplished Belgian wrestler who competed in the men’s Greco-Roman welterweight at the 1936 Summer Olympics. He was born in Belgium and began wrestling at a young age.
He eventually became one of the most successful wrestlers in his country, competing in many different tournaments throughout his career. At the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, he represented his country in the Greco-Roman welterweight division.
He put up a valiant effort but unfortunately did not come away with any medals.
Despite not winning a medal, his participation in the Olympics is an inspiration to many athletes who strive to compete at the highest level. Jean de Feu’s legacy as a wrestler lives on as he continues to be remembered and respected for his accomplishments.
He was an example to many people, showing them that dedication and hard work can take you to the highest levels of the sport. His memory still lives on in Belgium and throughout the world, inspiring generations of wrestlers to pursue their dreams.
4. Auguste Baarendse
Auguste Baarendse is a Belgian professional wrestler. He has had a successful career in the world of sports, having competed in the 1952 Summer Olympics in the men’s freestyle heavyweight division.
Representing his native country of Belgium, Baarendse was one of the few athletes to compete in this grueling competition at the Olympics. During the event, he demonstrated his strength and skill as a wrestler, showing off his technical abilities and endurance.
Despite not coming away with a medal, his participation in the Summer Olympics has earned him the respect and admiration of wrestling fans around the world.
Baarendse’s impressive performance at the 1952 Summer Olympics has cemented his place in history, and he is remembered as a great athlete from Belgium.
5. Jean-Pierre Wafflard
Jean-Pierre Wafflard is a renowned Belgian wrestler who has competed in two Olympic Games. He made his first Olympic appearance at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, where he competed in the men’s freestyle wrestling event.
After four years of hard work and dedication, he returned to the Olympic stage at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, USA. Despite not winning a medal in either of his Olympic appearances, Wafflard has been an inspiring figure to many aspiring wrestlers in Belgium.
His passion and determination have been an example to all those who have followed in his footsteps.
6. Louis Van Der Herten
Louis Van Der Herten was a Belgian athlete who made his mark in the world of wrestling. He was a gifted athlete who had the ability to compete at the highest levels of competition.
At the 1928 Summer Olympics, Van Der Herten was selected to represent Belgium in the men’s freestyle middleweight division.
This was a remarkable achievement for someone from a small country like Belgium, and it was made all the more impressive due to the fact that he was competing against some of the best wrestlers in the world.
Van Der Herten was an incredibly talented wrestler who had the strength and skill to make it to the Olympics. Despite the fact that he was competing against athletes from much larger countries, he was able to hold his own and make it to the final rounds.
Unfortunately, he was unable to win the gold medal, but he was still able to make an impressive showing. His performance in the Olympics was a testament to his dedication and skill, and it is something that he can be proud of for the rest of his life.
Louis Van Der Herten was an incredible athlete who made his mark on the international wrestling stage. His performance in the 1928 Summer Olympics was an important part of his career, and it is a testament to his skill and dedication.
He may not have won the gold, but he was still able to make a lasting impression on the world of wrestling.
7. Alfred Gilles
Alfred Gilles was a talented Belgian wrestler. He competed in the men’s Greco-Roman bantamweight category at the 1936 Summer Olympics. Greco-Roman wrestling is a style of wrestling that involves grappling techniques such as holds, locks, and throws.
It is one of the oldest sports in the world, with roots in the ancient Olympic Games.
Gilles competed in the bantamweight category, which is reserved for wrestlers weighing between 53 and 55 kg. Gilles was among the many athletes who took part in the 1936 Summer Olympics, which were held in Berlin, Germany.
This was the first time that the Olympics had been held in a totalitarian country and was a highly controversial event.
Despite the political tensions, the games were a great success and over 4,000 athletes from 49 nations participated. Gilles was able to show off his skills and athleticism on the world’s biggest stage.
Unfortunately, he did not win a medal, but his performance was still impressive. He made a name for himself in the wrestling world and his legacy lives on today.
8. Jean Saenen
Jean Saenen was a remarkable athlete from Belgium. He made a name for himself by competing in the Greco-Roman middleweight division of the 1928 Summer Olympics.
During the competition, he displayed great strength and determination, which paid off when he earned a bronze medal for his country. Although the Summer Olympics of 1928 took place in Amsterdam, Jean Saenen was a proud representative of Belgium.
He made his country proud by competing and competing with excellence in his Greco-Roman middleweight division.
He was well-respected in his field and was admired by many for his dedication and passion for the sport. Jean Saenen was very passionate about the sport of wrestling and he had a strong desire to make his country proud.
He was well-trained and prepared for the events that would take place in the Summer Olympics.
He was determined to do his best and to make an impression on the world stage. Jean Saenen was able to achieve his goal when he earned a bronze medal in the Greco-Roman middleweight division of the 1928 Summer Olympics.
This was a remarkable accomplishment for him and for his country, and it was a testament to his hard work and dedication. Jean Saenen was an inspiration to many and his success was well deserved.
9. Jean Lalemand
Jean Lalemand was a Belgian professional wrestler who had the opportunity to compete in the 1936 Summer Olympics. Representing his home country of Belgium, Lalemand competed in the men’s freestyle lightweight division.
This meant that he competed against other wrestlers who were lighter in weight than him, making it a very challenging competition. He gave it his all and was able to make it to the Olympics, showcasing his skill and talent to the world.
He was one of the few athletes who had the chance to compete in the 1936 Summer Olympics, which was a very special time for athletes and their respective countries.
Although the result of his match is unknown, his participation in the Olympics certainly made an impact on the wrestling community and showcased the strength and talent of Belgian athletes.
10. Nicolas Appels
Nicolas Appels was a Belgian athlete who specialized in the sport of Greco-Roman wrestling. He was a light heavyweight wrestler, meaning that he competed in a weight class that was lighter than the heavyweight class.
Appels was a very talented wrestler, and he was able to compete in the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam. This was a huge accomplishment as there were only a few athletes from Belgium who were able to compete in the Olympics.
Appels was the only wrestler from Belgium at the Games, and he put up a good fight in the Greco-Roman light heavyweight matches. Despite not winning any medals, Appels was proud of his performance and was happy to have represented his country at the Olympics.
11. Antoine Raeymaeckers
Antoine Raeymaekers was a Belgian wrestler who competed in the 1948 Summer Olympics in the men’s freestyle featherweight division. He was a highly esteemed athlete and was well respected in the wrestling community.
Raeymaekers was a dedicated competitor who worked hard to achieve success in the sport. Raeymaekers represented his home country of Belgium in the men’s freestyle featherweight division.
This division is for wrestlers who weigh less than 56kg, making it a very competitive division.
Raeymaekers was up against some of the best wrestlers in the world and he was determined to make his mark. Raeymaekers’ commitment to excellence and determination was evident in his performance at the 1948 Olympics.
Despite the high level of competition, Raeymaekers was able to secure a place in the final round of the tournament.
Unfortunately, he was unable to secure a medal, but his performance was an impressive feat for a wrestler of his size. Raeymaekers’ performance at the Olympics was an inspiration to many and he quickly became a role model for aspiring wrestlers.
He was a great example of how dedication and hard work can lead to success. His legacy lives on in the wrestling community and he will always be remembered as one of the most accomplished Belgian wrestlers in history.
12. Léonard Dutz
Léonard Dutz is an accomplished Belgian wrestler. He was born in Belgium and is most known for his participation in the 1968 Summer Olympics. At the Olympics, he competed in the men’s Greco-Roman 63 kg category.
The Greco-Roman style of wrestling is a form of wrestling that dates back to the ancient Olympic Games. It is a style that focuses on gripping and controlling your opponent, rather than on taking them to the ground. Dutz had a remarkable performance at the 1968 Summer Olympics.
He made great strides to reach the final rounds and ultimately placed fourth in his category. He was the first Belgian wrestler to ever reach the final rounds of the Olympics in the Greco-Roman 63 kg category.
His accomplishments have served as an inspiration to many Belgian wrestlers who have followed in his footsteps. Dutz’s success at the Olympic Games has earned him a lasting place in the history of Belgian wrestling.
He is a testament to what can be achieved when hard work and dedication are combined. He has earned the admiration and respect of fellow wrestlers and fans alike.
13. Joseph Mewis
Joseph Mewis is a highly accomplished Belgian wrestler. Mewis’ greatest achievement was winning a silver medal in the 1956 Olympic Games in Freestyle wrestling. This remarkable feat was not a one-time occurrence, as Mewis also competed in the 1952, 1960, and 1964 Olympic Games.
This speaks to his enduring dedication to the sport of wrestling and his determination to compete at the highest level. Mewis’ impressive career has spanned over four decades and he is considered to be one of the most successful Belgian wrestlers of all time.
He has inspired other athletes to strive for greatness and his legacy will live on for generations to come.
14. Karl Gotch
Karel Charles “Karl” Istaz, known professionally as Karl Gotch, was a Belgian-born German-American professional wrestler and trainer. He was highly respected in the wrestling world and was widely recognized for his influence in shaping the professional wrestling style in Japan.
For this, he was given the title of “God of Wrestling” in the country. Despite sharing the same last name, Karl Gotch had no relation to the earlier wrestler Frank Gotch.
Gotch’s influence as a trainer was immense, and he was considered to be a key figure in the history of professional wrestling.
He was renowned for his technical wrestling style, which was based on catch wrestling and submission holds, and his skills as a trainer were highly sought after by many aspiring wrestlers.
His impact on the sport was so great that he is remembered to this day as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.
15. Eduard van den Bril
Eduard van den Bril was a Belgian professional wrestler who specialized in the Greco-Roman style of wrestling. He was a heavyweight athlete, competing in the same weight class at the 1920 Summer Olympics.
At the 1920 Summer Olympics, van den Bril represented his home country of Belgium and competed in the Greco-Roman heavyweight event. He was one of the few athletes from Belgium to compete in the Olympics and he competed with distinction.
During his performance, van den Bril faced off against competitors from all around the world and was able to hold his own. Ultimately, he finished in seventh place overall, a respectable result for a wrestler of his caliber.
Despite not winning any medals, van den Bril’s performance was highly praised and he was praised for his courage and determination in the face of tough opposition. His performance at the Olympics is a testament to his skill and commitment to the sport of wrestling.
16. Frits Janssens
Frits Janssens was an accomplished Belgian wrestler. He was born in 1898 and had a long and successful career. During his career, Janssens competed in three Summer Olympic Games, which were held in 1920, 1924, and 1928.
His first Olympic experience came at the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp, where he competed in the freestyle wrestling event. He finished in 6th place overall. He returned to the Olympics four years later at the 1924 Summer Olympics, which were held in Paris, France.
This time, Janssens competed in Greco-Roman wrestling and finished in 8th place. In 1928, Janssens made his third and final Olympic appearance at the Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. He competed in the Greco-Roman wrestling event again and finished in 12th place.
Although Janssens did not win any medals, he made a lasting impression on the international wrestling scene and served as an inspiration to many aspiring wrestlers. His accomplishments will always be remembered as one of the greatest Belgian athletes in history.
17. Pierre Derkinderen
Pierre Derkinderen was a Belgian wrestler who competed in the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium. He was an avid athlete who specialized in freestyle middleweight wrestling.
During his Olympic debut, Derkinderen competed in the freestyle middleweight event, where he faced tough opponents from countries like France, Norway, Mexico, and the United States.
Although he did not bring home any medals, Derkinderen’s Olympic performance was an impressive feat nonetheless. During his years of training and competing, Derkinderen had achieved numerous accolades, including several national titles.
He was a two-time Belgian champion in the Freestyle Middleweight category, as well as a five-time runner-up in the same category. Additionally, he was a three-time national champion in the Greco-Roman Middleweight category.
Derkinderen was not only a talented athlete, but also a dedicated trainer, as he was known to coach and mentor other wrestlers. Derkinderen’s legacy lives on in the world of wrestling. He is remembered as a champion in his sport, as well as a mentor and coach to many.
His dedication to the sport has inspired many athletes and coaches to continue his legacy of excellence.
18. Gustave Laporte
Gustave Laporte was a Belgian athlete who achieved success in the sport of wrestling. Born in Belgium, Laporte was a highly successful wrestler, competing in the men’s freestyle bantamweight division.
His greatest success in the sport came in 1936 when he was chosen to represent his country in the Summer Olympics. He competed in the men’s freestyle bantamweight division, which is a weight class for wrestlers between 56 and 62 kilograms.
Despite being up against some of the world’s most talented wrestlers, Laporte performed well, showing that he was one of the best in his weight division. He ultimately placed sixth in the competition, a remarkable achievement for a wrestler from Belgium.
Laporte’s accomplishments serve as an inspiration to athletes around the world, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, you can achieve great things, no matter where you come from.
19. Joseph Trimpont
Joseph Trimpont was a professional Belgian wrestler, who was successful in his field. He represented Belgium at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London and the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki.
During the 1948 Olympics, he competed in the Men’s Freestyle Lightweight category, where he reached the quarterfinals. After performing well in the 1952 Olympics, Joseph Trimpont was able to achieve a high ranking and made a name for himself in the wrestling world.
He was an inspiration to many young athletes, showing them that hard work and dedication can lead to success. After his successful career, Joseph Trimpont retired from professional wrestling and devoted his time to coaching aspiring wrestlers.
He was committed to helping young people develop their skills and become successful athletes. His legacy lives on today, as many wrestlers continue to strive for excellence and follow in his footsteps.
20. Joseph Hutmacker
Joseph Hutmacker was a renowned Belgian wrestler. He was well-known for his prowess in the sport and his extraordinary skills. He made a name for himself when he competed in the freestyle light heavyweight event at the 1924 Summer Olympics.
His performance in the tournament was highly praised and he was able to defeat his opponents with ease. Hutmacker was a symbol of excellence and strength for the Belgian wrestling team and his presence at the Olympics gave them added confidence and motivation.
He was able to gain recognition for his country and put it on the world stage with his impressive performance. Hutmacker’s contribution to the sport of wrestling is something that will be remembered for years to come.
He was a true champion and his legacy will continue to live on.
21. Salvatore Bellomo
Salvatore Martino was a professional wrestler from Belgium, who had a lengthy and successful career that lasted for more than four decades.
He is well-known for his appearances in the United States, particularly in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the 1980s and in Eastern Championship Wrestling in the 1990s, where he was known by the ring name Salvatore Bellomo. Martino’s career in professional wrestling began in the late 1970s and he was a regular in the European wrestling scene.
He was a multiple-time champion in various European promotions and held a number of titles. In the 1980s, Martino made several appearances in the WWF, where he was known as Salvatore Bellomo.
He had some memorable matches with wrestlers like André the Giant and Junkyard Dog. In the early 1990s, Martino joined Eastern Championship Wrestling, which later became Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW).
Here, he adopted the ring name Salvatore Bellomo and gained a reputation as a talented and respected wrestler.
He had several memorable feuds with wrestlers like Shane Douglas and The Sandman. Throughout his career, Martino was known for his technical wrestling skills, as well as his charisma and ability to entertain the crowd.
He was a true veteran of the sport and his influence can still be seen in the current wrestling landscape.
22. Toma Nikiforov
Toma Nikiforov is a Belgian judoka who competes in the under 100kg weight class. In 2015, he achieved great success in the judo world, winning bronze medals at both the World Championships and the European Games.
In 2016, he placed second at the European Championships, demonstrating his impressive level of skill. Unfortunately, he was eliminated in the second bout at the Rio Olympics, missing out on a chance to take home a medal from the world’s most prestigious judo competition.
Nevertheless, Toma has proven himself to be a formidable judoka, and will certainly continue to be a threat on the world stage.
23. Pierre Bressinck
Pierre Bressinck was a Belgian wrestler who competed in the 1928 Summer Olympics in the men’s freestyle featherweight division.
He was among the world’s top athletes and an Olympic veteran, having competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics where he achieved a fourth-place finish in the middleweight freestyle wrestling event.
At the 1928 Summer Olympics, Bressinck demonstrated his impressive wrestling skill and technical prowess. He was a favorite to win the gold medal in his weight class but ultimately finished in fifth place.
Despite his lack of a medal, Bressinck was still a respected athlete and a formidable opponent. His impressive showing at the Olympics demonstrated his dedication to the sport and his ability to compete at a high level.
Bressinck’s career in wrestling spanned more than a decade, as he competed in numerous international competitions.
In addition to his Olympic appearances, he was a two-time European Champion in the freestyle featherweight division, a two-time runner-up in the World Championship, and a three-time Belgian national champion.
He was also a two-time bronze medalist at the European Championships and a three-time silver medalist at the World Championships. Pierre Bressinck was an accomplished and successful athlete who achieved success both nationally and internationally.
He was a respected wrestler who competed in the highest levels of competition and demonstrated his skill and tenacity throughout his career. His accomplishments still stand as a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport.
24. Oscar Cornelis
Oscar Cornelis was an Olympic athlete from Belgium who specialized in Greco-Roman wrestling. He represented his country at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium, where he competed in the middleweight Greco-Roman wrestling event.
Greco-Roman wrestling is a style of amateur wrestling that forbids holds below the waist, requiring wrestlers to rely on upper-body strength and technique.
Cornelis was one of the few athletes to take part in the Olympics in his home country, and his participation was a source of pride for the Belgians. Although he did not win any medals, Cornelis’ dedication to the sport and his Olympic spirit were an inspiration to many.
25. Henri Snoeck
Henri Snoeck was a Belgian wrestler who had the distinction of competing in the 1920 Summer Olympics. He participated in two disciplines at the event: Greco-Roman and freestyle light heavyweight.
Greco-Roman wrestling is a form of wrestling which is only contested in the standing position, with each wrestler attempting to gain an advantage over their opponent by using holds and throws on their opponent’s upper body.
In contrast, freestyle wrestling is a form of wrestling that allows both standing and ground techniques.
Despite the differing rules, both forms of wrestling rely on the use of strength, speed, and technique to outmaneuver the opponent. Snoeck was one of the few athletes to compete in both styles of wrestling in the 1920 Olympics, a testament to his versatility and skill as a wrestler.
His commitment to the sport and his dedication to the Olympics earned him a place in the history books, and his performance at the 1920 Olympics has gone down in history as a remarkable achievement.
26. Lucien Bottin
Lucien Bottin was a Belgian athlete who specialized in the Greco-Roman style of wrestling. He was a featherweight athlete, meaning that he competed in a weight class of up to 57 kg in body weight.
Bottin was able to take part in the 1924 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France, where he competed in the Greco-Roman featherweight event. During the 1924 Olympics, he had the opportunity to represent his home country of Belgium in the international arena.
Unfortunately, he was unable to win a medal at the event, but he can still be proud of his accomplishments. Despite not winning a medal, Bottin showed great determination and dedication to his sport, making him a role model for aspiring athletes in Belgium and around the world.
27. Jacques Van Assche
Jacques Van Assche was an accomplished athlete from Belgium. He specialized in the sport of wrestling and had the opportunity to represent his country in the men’s freestyle light heavyweight category at the 1928 Summer Olympics.
He had worked hard to hone his skills and make it to the Olympic level, where he was able to put his training to the test. In the Olympics, Van Assche put up a great performance, showing the world his skill and determination.
He was able to demonstrate his strength, speed, and technique, and made it to the top levels of the competition.
He was unable to win a medal, but he did make it to the semi-finals, showing that he was able to compete with the best of the best. Van Assche’s journey to the Olympics was a long one. He had to overcome many obstacles in order to make it to the world’s biggest sporting event.
He put in countless hours of hard work and dedication to make it to the Olympics.
His commitment and determination to make it to the Olympics was inspiring, and his performance at the event showed that he was a force to be reckoned with. Van Assche’s accomplishments at the Olympics was a milestone in his career.
He was able to show the world that he had what it takes to be a world-class wrestler. He set a great example for other aspiring wrestlers and proved to people that hard work and dedication can lead to great success.
His story is a testament to the power of determination and perseverance.
28. Albert Foubert
Albert Foubert was a Belgian athlete who achieved success in the sport of wrestling. He was a freestyle featherweight wrestler, which is a weight division in which competitors must weigh less than 57 kg. In 1924, Foubert competed in the Summer Olympics in his weight division.
He was one of the athletes competing in the freestyle featherweight event, and although he did not win a medal, his participation in the Olympics was a great honor. Foubert’s accomplishments as a wrestler are a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.
He was a respected figure in the wrestling world and a great source of pride for Belgium. He was able to represent his country on the world stage, which is a great accomplishment for any athlete.
29. Augustus Everaerts
Augustus Everaerts was a Belgian wrestler who had a successful career in the sport. He represented Belgium at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland, competing in the men’s freestyle middleweight wrestling event.
He was one of the first Belgian wrestlers to compete on the Olympic stage. Everaerts put in a strong performance, but he did not manage to reach the medal podium.
Despite his lack of success in the Olympics, Everaerts had a successful career and was well respected in the wrestling community. He was a multiple-time champion in Belgium’s national wrestling league, and a two-time bronze medalist at the European Wrestling Championships.
Everaerts is remembered as a pioneer in Belgian wrestling and an inspirational figure in the sport.
Conclusion
The best wrestling players in Belgium are highly renowned for their skill and dedication to the sport. They are among the best in the world and have won several medals and titles.
The Belgian wrestling federation offers a great platform for them to showcase their talents and continue to represent the country in international competitions.
With their hard work and determination, they are sure to continue to dominate the wrestling scene and make Belgium a powerhouse in the world of wrestling.
