Eddy Merckx
Eddy Merckx (°1945) is the embodiment of the Belgian athlete of the twentieth century, with a record of achievements in cycling that has not yet found its equal. One of the core values of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel is the “formation of, and respect for, the holistic person”, and the physical aspect should certainly not be missing here. In the case of Eddy Merckx, there is more than only his exceptional athletic performance; he also has a great social significance.
Eddy Merckx will be awarded an honorary doctorate for his contribution to the democratisation and popularisation of the (cycling) sport, for his winning mentality founded in the belief in his own abilities, for his warm, human personality, and for the way in which he promotes our country abroad.
Eddy Merckx has not been offered an honorary doctorate before.