Thomas Van der Plaetsen

Thomas Van der Plaetsen is a Belgian decathlete. His biggest achievements are winning the gold medal for decathlon at the 2016 [European Athletics Championships], winning bronze medal for heptathlon at the 2014 IAAF World [Indoor Championships|2014 World Indoor Championships], and gold medal for decathlon at the 2013 and 2015 Summer Universiade.

Personal bests

Outdoor

100 metres – 11.04
400 metres – 48.64
1500 metres – 4:32.52
110 metres hurdles – 14.36
High jump – 2.17
Pole vault – 5.45
Long jump – 7.90
Shot put – 14.28
Discus Throw – 48.81
Javelin Throw – 65.31
Decathlon – 8430

Indoor

60 metres – 7.13
1000 metres – 2:40.50
60 metres hurdles – 8.06
High jump – 2.13
Pole vault – 5.50
Long jump – 7.78
Shot put – 14.32
Heptathlon – 6259

Health problems

In October 2014, it became known that during an unannounced doping control test in September 2014, Van der Plaetsen had tested positive for the hormone HCG. On 2 October 2014, Van der Plaetsen revealed that those heightened HCG levels were caused by up to then undiagnosed testicular cancer, for which he was then treated.