Written by Trackandmemes, May 28, 2024
When it comes to Belgian middle-distance running, it's impossible to overlook CABW athlete Vanessa Scaunet. Almost three years ago, in the UK, her strides marked the double lap of the track in 2’ 02’’ 05. This is currently her best reference over 800m, although she still has very good speed for an endurance athlete, with a personal best of 55'' 67 over 400m. But Vanessa's story isn't just about numbers and performance... There are also dreams, obstacles, and even a love story!
Was specializing in long-distance routes an obvious choice?
I actually started athletics at the age of 7, and around the age of 12 I had to choose a discipline to concentrate on. Unfortunately, I had growing pains in my knees, so I couldn't do much except run. So I opted for the long distances. I really liked the long distance, although I regretted not having the opportunity to develop my skills in other events, such as the long jump or the sprint. As I got older, my aches and pains disappeared, so I was able to train regularly and make good progress, until I fell in love with the 800m.
At the age of 14, I was invited to the elite middle-distance school in Belgium, and in the years that followed, I continued to progress over distances ranging from 400m to 3000m, where I also had the opportunity to win my first national cross-country title.
So far, so good!
So far, so good. But when I was 18, I got sick with a bacterial infection in my blood. It prevented me from racing for over five months. The recovery was very difficult, but I still managed to get my first international qualification at the end of the year. It took me about two years to get back to my best level and be considered a National Elite again. But I fell ill again two years later; the same infection. I even had to stop my university studies, as I was too ill to attend classes. It was hard to bear because I knew what I'd already had to endure, but once again I was back at my best after two years of training.
In fact, I worked hard, but I felt like I'd lost four years of my career. I was already 23, but had missed out on so much. I was behind in many aspects of training. My body could do great things, but it was still very weak. I kept working hard, because I never stopped believing in myself.
Today I'm 27 years old. I've already competed in ten international championships; seven cross-country and three track. I reached the final of the European indoor championships in 2021, and qualified for the world championships for the first time in 2022.
A fine record of achievement already! Even if it has been fraught with difficulties...
The pitfalls I continued to encounter until 2023. I caught the Covid and it turned into a long Covid. I had to rest and put aside my goals for the year. But I seem to be used to illnesses by now... So I knew I was going to be okay. It's put me behind schedule in my preparations for the Paris Olympics! But I keep believing in myself.
And I've heard that during your athletic journey, you met your soul mate... A soul mate, but also, a coach.
Yes, I'm coached by Ivo Roelandt, my partner in life. We work out the training programs together and it works out pretty well.
How do you manage this relationship?
It's not very complicated for me. We're both passionate about athletics. We met in Monté Gordo in 2016 when we were both on a training camp. He was still an athlete at the time.
I left my coach at the time in 2019, then proposed to Ivo that he become my coach. He accepted. It was a decision we took by mutual agreement and I have no regrets.
When I won my medal at the cross-country championships, the emotion I felt when we hugged was extraordinary. But afterwards, when the performances aren't so good, it's more complicated. But we've made a promise to each other that we'll always be honest and, above all, not to confuse our athlete-coach relationship with that of lovers. If things aren't going well in sport, it won't affect our private relationship. It's very important to be able to separate the two.
What are your goals for this season?
I'd like to take part in the Olympic Games. It's been my dream since I was a little girl. Just like a Diamond League! Because these are the biggest events after the international championships. But for this season, I'm concentrating on qualifying for the Olympics.
Are you doing anything to qualify? Are you experiencing any difficulties?
I'm off on a five-week training course in Spain's Sierra Nevada. The altitude is 3479 meters.
I got my master's degree as a sports dietician in February, which means I can concentrate and focus on my training, recovery and goals.
In terms of difficulties, I'm behind in my preparation and my body isn't at 100%. The indoor season was a bit complicated and I've dropped down the world ranking, which could be a hindrance to me taking part in some good competitions this summer.
In the non-athletics context, do you have any particular expectations or hopes?
I love helping other people achieve their goals. That's why I started online coaching. I draw up training plans, for those who want to run their first 10km or half-marathon, for example. And I also help with nutrition, as I'm a dietician.
My website is currently under construction.
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