Filipino-Belgian ju-jitsu world champion Ian Lodens has been named as Personality of the Year 2019 in the City of Knokke-Heist.
The multi-medalist athlete clinched the Personality of the Year Award as the top ranking candidate with 16,190 votes.
The voting competition with five finalist candidates was organized by the publishing company kneistiKRANT. Voting started in December 2019 and ended in January 2020.
Here is the final and official result released on January 17, 2020:
1. Ian Lodens — 16,190 votes
2. Danny Lannoy — 3523 votes
3. Sophie Van Biervliet — 2142 votes
4. Véronique Seels — 1952 votes
5. Bart Desmidt — 1714 votes
The Belgium’s Got Talent 2018 grand winner received his prize and certificate on February 10 and expressed his gratitude through his social media accounts.
”I’m very thankful for this recognition coming from my own city Knokke-Heist,” Ian said in his post on Facebook and Instagram.
“I want to be an example for either kids, adults and seniors to show the importance of sports. For that it is a great pleasure to achieve this award and to motivate others for a better lifestyle.”
The dancer and martial arts athlete also expressed his appreciation to his family and the Filipino community for supporting him.
“As a Belgian x Filipino, I’d like to thank my amazing parents, my brothers, my friends and other family for their support.
“Not forgetting the Philippino community who’s been really supportive through everything I’ve done and achieved.”
Ian Lodens, who spent a week-long summer vacation in the Philippines in 2019 for the first time, also thanked his Filipino grandmother whom he met after 22 years.
“And of course my lovely lola and other family who’s living on the other side of the planet.”
Ian concluded his post by giving thanks using the Filipino language.
“Maraming salamat! Thank you so much!”
SEND love to Ian Lodens in the comments below for winning the Personality of the Year 2019 competition and acknowledging his Filipino roots with his achievements!
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