The one of the finest Belgian quarter milers in athletics, Kevin Borlee competed for one final time in Brussels' Boudewijnstadion for the public. The accomplished Belgian and his twin brother, Jonathan, said 'adieu' at 36 with stunning achievements throughout their long-lasting careers. Kevin made his final lap at the stadium by 47.18 to finish sixth in the 400-metre contest.

THE FAMILY JOB

Borlee Brothers, who have two other international-level siblings, younger brother Dylan (born 1992) and sister Olivia (b. 1986), are one of the most phenomenal families in all athletics history. In the guidance of their athletics-passionate father Jacques, former European Indoor medallist, all the Borlee siblings achieved many on track in their careers. 

Kevin Borlee, a five-time Olympian for Belgium, is perhaps known as leading one of the most respected national relay teams ever in athletics history. He competed for 4x400 Belgian team for 17 years and helped to establish 15 national records during that period, including one European Indoor record in Prague 2015. In the same spanning time, Kevin has qualified for 30 of the 35 finals with the team and claimed 16 relay medals in the major championships.

OLYMPIC CURSE

The Borlee Bros has only failed mission happened at the Olympics. Kevin and his gang came close to climbing the Olympic podium four times, recently in Paris, but unfortunately, they were not able to win a medal. After their fourth and sixth place finish, respectively, in Beijing and London, the Belgian quartet almost had their eluded one in Rio de Janeiro, but the Bahamas secured third place just 0.03 seconds ahead of the team which formed with Julien Watrin, Dylan, Jonathan and Kevin Borlee.  

Belgium has pushed more for the 4x400 Olympic medal, but yet again, they finished fourth in Tokyo and Paris, both ended with national records which lowered to 2:57.75 in Stade de France. 

LEGACY

Meanwhile, the Borlee-pistoned 4x4 Belgian team has two World Championships podiums in 2019 and 2022. Kevin Borlee also secured an individual medal at the age of 24 in Daegu and stood at the podium with all-time greats Kirani James and LaShawn Merritt. The same year, he received The Athlete of the Year award in Belgium. 

The Belgian 4x4 team, nicknamed the Tornados by the local press, has claimed six European medals since 2010, including four titles, as established as one of the strongest relay teams ever contested through the continent. And no doubt about it, The Borlee Bros have built a strong tradition from the beginning; thus, their legacy will remembered always. 


By Athletics Podium