In the dynamic world of professional sports, timing is often everything. For German beach volleyball stalwart Chantal Laboureur, the end of a distinguished career arrived swiftly after reaching a new peak: being crowned the first-ever European Queen of the Court. Just weeks after her triumph in Utrecht, the celebrated defender announced her decision to step away from the sand, choosing a different path over the push towards the Paris 2024 Olympics.
At 32, Laboureur’s decision wasn`t one made lightly, especially with the allure of an Olympic Games just two years distant. “It would have been ‘just two years’, but also ‘still two more years’,” she explained, articulating the balance between athletic pursuit and personal fulfillment. Her reasoning is clear and relatable: the increasing importance of private life and a heartfelt desire to start a family. The demanding schedule of professional beach volleyball, requiring extensive travel and prioritizing training above all else, is simply no longer compatible with these evolving life goals.
Her final competitive appearances unfolded across various arenas. Following the historic European Queen of the Court victory alongside Karla Borger, Laboureur secured another gold at the 2022 International Military Sports Council Beach Cup, partnering Cinja Tillmann. Her very last outings on the VW Beach Pro Tour were the Paris Elite16 and the Maldives Challenge, where she competed with her most recent regular partner, Sarah Schulz. A fitting, if slightly melancholic, series of finales for a career spanning over 15 years.
Chantal Laboureur & Karla Borger celebrate their Queen of the Court triumph.
Laboureur`s journey in beach volleyball began in her youth, marked by early success. At just 17, she clinched the 2007 CEV U18 European Championship title in Czechia with Levke Spinger, followed by a U19 World Championship crown in the Netherlands in 2008. The transition to the U23 European Championships brought further podium finishes: bronze in 2011 and gold in 2012, showcasing her consistent development.
Her senior career, which commenced on the European Tour in 2009, quickly gained momentum. Partnering Julia Sude, she earned her first senior continental medal – a bronze at the 2013 Montpellier Satellite. This partnership proved fruitful, yielding multiple gold medals at the Masters level across Europe, from Biel/Bienne and Baku in 2014 to Jurmala in 2016 and Baden in 2017. A European Championship bronze medal in Latvia in 2017 further solidified her status among the continent`s elite.
Laboureur & Borger were crowned European Queen of the Court in Utrecht.
Reflecting on her extensive European career, Laboureur recalls vivid memories, from her debut at the U18 Euros 15 years prior to competing in countless European Championships. The 2017 European Championship in Jurmala stands out, fondly remembered for the enthusiastic support from German ice hockey fans. More recently, her fifth-place finish with Sarah Schulz at the 2022 EuroBeachVolley in Munich was characterized by an “outstanding atmosphere” – a testament to the sport`s growing popularity at home. She extends a warm tribute to Sarah Schulz, describing her as “one of the kindest players and persons I know!”
Beyond the European circuit, Laboureur also achieved significant success on the global stage. She accumulated an impressive tally of medals on the FIVB World Tour: two gold, six silver, and three bronze. The inaugural VW Beach Pro Tour in 2022 added another silver to her collection. While an Olympic appearance remained just out of reach – a qualifying loss for Tokyo 2020 being the closest call – her domestic achievements are equally noteworthy, including three German national championship titles and the prestigious German Player of the Year award in 2018. She even claimed the German King of the Court title in 2021, proving her adaptability to various formats.
Laboureur competing at EuroBeachVolley 2022 in Munich.
Looking back, Laboureur expresses deep gratitude for her career. “So many great memories! And so many great tournaments!” she enthuses. While beach volleyball gave her much, she acknowledges the significant sacrifices required from a professional athlete, particularly the impact on social and family life due to constant travel. “I love this sport so much and if I could do everything at the same time and the day had 48 hours, I would probably play until I`m 50, but that’s not the case,” she remarks, a touch of wistful realism in her tone. The relentless commitment needed to compete at the highest level simply demands a prioritization she is no longer willing to make.
Her plans for the future are a stark, refreshing contrast to the structured life of an elite athlete. A period of travel will precede the completion of her medical studies – a full year of practical work remains. Beyond that, the clear objective is to “aim at having kids,” a transition from spiking balls to changing diapers, one presumes. It`s a reminder that even Queens eventually trade their crowns for different, perhaps more rewarding, roles.
While she is leaving the competitive court, her extensive knowledge and passion for the sport remain. Perhaps, after navigating the next chapters of her life, the beach volleyball world will see Chantal Laboureur return in a different capacity. Only time will tell, but for now, the court is without one of its most consistent and respected German figures.
