Written by Trackandmemes, on August 20, 2026
At just 15 years old, Etoilia Gorrens, an athlete representing the Dutch-speaking club ACA Alken, is on a record-breaking streak.
She already held the Belgian record in the heptathlon since last summer, after scoring a total of 4,385 points. This year, she improved her own record, reaching an impressive 4562 points! !
Looking at her performances individually, she set personal bests indoors in the 60 metres, 60 metres hurdles and shot put. Outdoors, she improved her performances in the long jump, high jump, javelin, shot put, 80 metres hurdles, 800 metres — and no… she’s not done yet — as well as the 300 metres and 200 metres!
Already showing impressive speed, her personal best in the 60 meters stands at 7.85 seconds,while she has clocked 25.73 seconds in the 200 metres..
How did it all begin ?
I started out as a cross-country runner, competing in the Cross-Cup. I won the Cross-Cup in my first two years. I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to keep running during the summer. That’s when I discovered track and field, and it was love at first sight all over again. Since then, I’ve tried my hand at every discipline.
Who is your coach, and what does your training routine look like ?
My coach from day one has been my dad, Michel Gorrens. A few years later, my trainer, Linde Ceyssens, joined the team. My training varies depending on the time of year and is adapted whenever necessary, for example to fit around school.
I usually have a rest day between each training session, and the structure of my training depends on what I’m working on and what my body needs at the time.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of training with your father ?
My father and I can train whenever we want, which allows us to choose the best time of day and avoid any issues with the weather. For us, there aren’t really any disadvantages: during training, he is my coach, and once training is over, he is simply my father again.
Why did you eventually decide to work with another coach in addition to your father ?
The first time we met (coach Linde and I), I was lost while running in the forest, and she showed me the way back. From that day on, she became my coach.
It happened quite naturally. Our paths crossed, and we quickly realized that we worked really well together. I think it also helps that my trainer is just as motivated and committed as we are.
How is your season going ?
Everything went pretty much as I had hoped. I’m really happy with the Belgian records I set in the heptathlon, long jump and outdoor pentathlon. The only events where I would have liked better results were the shot put and javelin, because I know I’m capable of more.
This year was also a great learning experience for me, especially when it came to competing at major competitions. I learned how call rooms work and how I need to adapt my warm-up routine to perform at my best in these kinds of competitions.
What are your short-term and long-term goals ?
In the long term, I definitely want to compete at major championships. But first and foremost, I want to keep developing and become the best version of myself. In the short term, my main goals are the Flemish and Belgian Championships.
Are you the only one in your family who does sports ?
Nope, we all do sports, but not at the same level. For example, my sister doesn’t really like getting tired. 😅😁
My father can’t run anymore for personal reasons, but he still loves the sport.
When I was younger, I couldn’t keep up with him when we went running, and now he can’t keep up with me anymore. 😄
My sister enjoys sports too, but competing isn’t really her thing for now.
Which event do you find the most challenging ?
The high jump is one of the most technical events. For me, it’s the discipline where I have the most room for improvement. It’s all about timing.
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