Belgian shot-putter saves team from disqualification in 100-meter hurdles surprise run

WASHINGTON (TND) — There truly is no I in "team" after Belgian shot put and hammer throw champion Jolien Boumkwo stepped in to run the 100-meter hurdles and save her team from being disqualified.

Boumkwo, 29, was able to finish the race without knocking down any hurdles with a time of 32.81 seconds, 19 seconds after winning sprinter Teresa Errandonea of Spain.

She agreed to compete when two hurdlers had to pull out due to injuries.

In the video, she is all smiles as she takes on the challenge and even receives high-fives from competitors.

Her willingness to compete earned two points for Belgium and saved the country from disqualification.

"My team is the most important thing for me," Boumkwo told Agence France-Presse. "I couldn't let it happen to lose by one point. That's why I considered taking part in 100m hurdles. There was no risk for me if I took it calmly."

One day earlier, she finished seventh in the shot put seemingly breaking her own national record.