He says he had to think about it for a while, but after 56 years, Leo de Vos has said goodbye to Radio Sporza.
“It was very nice,” the radio commentator says of his long career. “I really enjoyed doing it, but now it feels good.”
Who says Leo de Vos says chivalry. But his career as a sports commentator began in the world of football. In 1968 he made his debut as a correspondent for the derby between Beerschot and Antwerp.
“I was fascinated by sports, especially radio,” he says. “We really looked up to the radio back then. It was a silent dream to be able to crawl into that area myself. In 1968 I was allowed to report as a substitute during the first half and at the end of the game.”
But what Leo de Vos loved most was watching equestrian sports. “Because I had horses, the editorial staff would always attack me when the horses approached.”
“For me, it's always been about the horses, not the riders. The horses are the main actors, and they're the athletes. I have great respect for how they jump over those huge obstacles.”
Picking one favorite moment from a career spanning 56 years is a very difficult task. Leo de Vos spontaneously thinks about the Games in Tokyo, where the Belgians won bronze.
He concluded, “But I had many great moments. Commentating on the jump is like commentating on the penalty shoot-outs in the Champions League final. It was an honour.”
“Reader. Unapologetic web fanatic. Student. Beer buff. Social media scholar. Alcohol advocate.”
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