Already crowned coach of the year on Sunday in Brussels, Rachid Meziane, who led the Belgian Cats to the title of European basketball champions, the first in their history, was rewarded as coach. The Frenchman, 43, was preferred to Jorik Hendrickx (coach of his sister, figure skater Loena Henrickx) and Carlos Prendes (Red Torpedoes, kayak). He succeeds Jelle Spruyt (speed skating) on the list.
Like the National Sports Merit Trophy, this Jewel of Flemish sport can only be won once during a career.
With this award, the Flemish government rewards an athlete or team who has achieved a remarkable performance during the year or concluded an exceptional career. The Red Lions were rewarded in 2021, Emma Meesseman was in 2019 (it was not awarded in 2020).
