Gaston Roelants

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games • Non-starter • Other
SexMale
Full nameGaston•Roelants
Used nameGaston•Roelants
Born5 February 1937 in Opvelp, Vlaams Brabant (BEL)
Measurements174 cm / 67 kg
AffiliationsDC Leuven
NOC Belgium
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Gaston Roelants made his international début at the 1960 Olympics, where he was fourth in the 3,000 metre steeplechase. At the 1962 European Championships, Roelants won the steeplechase and repeated that victory at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Between winning his two titles, in 1963, Roelants set his first steeplechase world record in Leuven, clocking 8:29.6, and set a second world record in the event in Leuven in 1965, recording 8:26.4. At the 1966 European Championships Roelants finished a disappointing third in the steeplechase and then decided to concentrate on longer distances. At the end of 1966, Roelants set world records for 20 km (58:06.2) and the 1-hour race (20,664 m), which he later improved to 57:44.4 and 20,878 metres in 1972. Roelants also won the marathon silver at the 1969 European championships and bronze at the 1974 European Championships, placing fifth in 1971. He won four gold medals at the International Cross-country Championships (1962, 1967, 1969, 1972) and continued racing into his 40s.

Personal Bests: Mar – 2-16:30 (1974); 3000S – 8:26.4 (1965).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1960 Summer Olympics Athletics BEL Gaston Roelants
3,000 metres Steeplechase, Men (Olympic) 4
1964 Summer Olympics Athletics BEL Gaston Roelants
5,000 metres, Men (Olympic) DNS
10,000 metres, Men (Olympic) DNS
3,000 metres Steeplechase, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold
1968 Summer Olympics Athletics BEL Gaston Roelants
Marathon, Men (Olympic) 11
3,000 metres Steeplechase, Men (Olympic) 7
1972 Summer Olympics Athletics BEL Gaston Roelants
Marathon, Men (Olympic) DNF
1976 Summer Olympics Athletics BEL Gaston Roelants
Marathon, Men (Olympic) DNS

Other participations

Games Role NOC As
1964 Summer Olympics Flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony BEL Gaston Roelants
1968 Summer Olympics Flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony BEL Gaston Roelants
1972 Summer Olympics Flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony BEL Gaston Roelants
1976 Summer Olympics Flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony BEL Gaston Roelants
1976 Summer Olympics Flagbearer at the Closing Ceremony BEL Gaston Roelants

Special Notes