Interview with Patrizia Van Der Weken, Luxembourg sprinter

How do you prepare when you've qualified for the summer 2024 sporting event?

Patrizia Van der Weken, a top-class sprinter who has qualified to represent our colors this summer, tells us about her journey and her preparation for the competition. We take this opportunity to wish her all the best once again, and to say how delighted we are to have welcomed her into our Bertrange offices for this exclusive interview.

Discover the new episode of the #DansLeTéléphoneDe web series.

In Patrizia Van Der Weken's phone

Hello, I'm Patricia Van Der Weken, a high-level sprinter representing Luxembourg internationally. My biggest achievements include winning the university championship title in the 100m, placing 7th at the World Indoor Championships, and qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Tell us about your first phone.

I vaguely remember my first phone, but I know it was a Samsung with a split screen. The top half was a touchscreen, and the bottom half had a classic keyboard.

Team Android or Team Apple?

For me, it’s clear—I’m on Team Apple. I use my iPhone every day, and I also rely heavily on my iPad and MacBook, especially for my studies, as well as for video analysis of my training and competitions.

What is your favorite app?

I use the Whoop app a lot to track my recovery between workouts and competitions. I also use Office applications frequently for my studies. And of course, I spend a lot of time on Instagram to stay connected with my friends on social media.

As a student and high-level sprinter, do you have time to scroll on your phone?

It's true that my days are quite busy with studies, training, and competitions, but I’m only human, so I do find time to scroll on my phone.

Do you think social networks are an important tool to promote your discipline?

I believe social networks are essential for promoting sports in general, including sprinting. They also give athletes a platform to share ideas and communicate the values that matter to them with the outside world.

Qualified to represent Luxembourg at the 2024 Olympics, how are you preparing?

Thanks to my successful summer season last year, I qualified for the Olympic Games by meeting the minimum qualification standards. This allows me to prepare for the Olympics with less pressure to earn points for my ranking. I plan to go through a competition block followed by another training block to ensure I’m in peak condition for Paris.

A childhood dream—where does your passion for sport come from?

I started athletics at the age of 5, so I’ve been active my whole life. As I gradually increased my involvement in athletics, I saw early results, which motivated me to become the best athlete I can be.

If you could say a few words to your younger self, what would you say?

If I could talk to the little girl I once was, I’d tell her to believe in her dreams, work hard to achieve them, and most importantly, stay focused on herself without being too intimidated by others.