Robert VAN DE WALLE

As Belgium's most successful judoka, Robert Van de Walle had a long career. He competed in the half-heavyweight class in five Olympics (1976-1992), winning a gold medal in the 1980 Games and a bronze in the Seoul Games. He was also a regular on the World Championships podium winning half-heavyweight medals in 1979, 1981 (both silver), 1983, 1985 and 1989 (all bronze), as well as two bronzes in the open division (1981 and 1983). At the European Championships, Van de Walle captured three golds: half-heavyweight (1985-86) and open (1980), adding 14 more medals between 1976 and 1988. Since the mid-1980s, Van de Walle has run his own management coaching company, together with his wife.