Lejeune became the world champion in the aquathlon in 2018, an event featuring both swimming and running.

The event was held as part of the International Triathlon Union Multisport World Championships in Denmark.

The result and his subsequent performances earned Lejeune a place at the first edition of the ANOC Beach Games.

Lejeune is due to compete in Monday (October 14) here in Qatar’s capital.

He will be among the favourites to win the men’s event.

The competition will begin with a five-kilometre run, before athletes dive in for a 2km swimming section.

Athletes will then tackle a second 5km run course to determine the winner of the event.

Lejeune will be part of a 30-strong men’s elite field for the race.

His biggest rival is expected to be Azerbaijan's Rostislav Pevtsov, who succeeded Lejeune as world champion earlier this year.

As Belgium’s sole entry for the Games, he will not appear in the mixed team relay event the following day.

The Games are set feature athletes from 97 countries, with 14 sports and disciplines to be contested.

Sports include 3x3 basketball, bouldering, beach handball, karate kata, kitefoil racing, skateboarding and beach soccer, as well as aquathlon.

Open water swimming, beach tennis, beach volleyball 4x4, waterski, wakeboard and beach wrestling also feature.

The Games are scheduled to take place until next Wednesday (October 16).