Belgian Team Wins Joëlette World Championship Category

Why this is here: Despite a fall and injury during the 13-kilometer course, the team maintained a consistent pace, staying together “at five” throughout the race.

Olivia and her team “Pas à pas” took first place in the “mother-child” category at the Joëlette World Championship in Charente-Maritime, France. The team included Olivia’s parents, Sarah and Roger, and friends Charlotte and Nicolas. They also achieved fourth place overall in the international teams category during the weekend competition.

The 9-year-old Olivia filmed the 13-kilometer course with a GoPro, singing throughout. Her mother, Sarah Gousset, a teacher at HEPH Condorcet in Tournai, Belgium, noted the technically challenging terrain and a fall by Charlotte, but the team maintained their pace.

The event emphasized inclusion with strong spectator presence and numerous volunteers. The team met Philippe Croizon, a source of inspiration, and anticipates future projects stemming from this experience. While elated with their success, the team returned fatigued but energized.