Shortly after being crowned the inaugural European Queen of the Court, Chantal Laboureur, recognized as one of Europe`s premier defenders in beach volleyball, has announced her retirement, just two years before a potential Olympic dream at the Paris Games.
“It would have been ‘just two years’, but also ‘still two more years’,” the 32-year-old German athlete elaborated on her decision. “I made the choice to stop because my private life has become increasingly central to me, and ultimately, I aspire to start a family. I can no longer commit to prioritizing beach volleyball for an additional two years.”
Last month’s inaugural Queen & King of the Court European Finals indeed marked one of the final professional competitions in Laboureur’s career as a beach volleyball player. After her triumphant win with Karla Borger in Utrecht, Laboureur secured a gold medal at the 2022 International Military Sports Council Beach Cup in Warendorf, alongside Cinja Tillmann. She subsequently participated in her last two VW Beach Pro Tour events, the Paris Elite16 and the Maldives Challenge, partnering with her most recent regular teammate, Sarah Schulz.
Laboureur commenced her international career approximately 15 years ago, when she and Levke Spinger graced the sand courts of the 2007 CEV U18 Beach Volleyball European Championship in Czechia and brought home the continental trophy. In 2008, they further celebrated as U19 world champions in the Netherlands. Later, Chantal enhanced her collection with two more podium finishes at U23 European Championships: a bronze in 2011 and a gold in 2012.
The German athlete began competing on the senior European Tour in 2009, earning her first medal, a bronze, at the 2013 Montpellier Satellite alongside Julia Sude. The duo proceeded to win several continental gold medals at the Masters level – in Biel/Bienne 2014, Baku 2014, Jurmala 2016, and Baden 2017, as well as a bronze at the 2017 CEV European Championship in Latvia.
“I vividly recall all these moments,” Laboureur stated. “My first international tournament was the CEV U18 European Championships in Brno 15 years ago, followed by years on the European Tour, and the bronze medals at the European Championships in Jurmala, cheered on by German ice hockey fans. I can’t even remember how many European Championships I attended, but it certainly felt like many.”
Naturally, the memories of her most recent EuroBeachVolley, played in August of this year in her home city of Munich, remain fresh. Laboureur and Schulz concluded the tournament in fifth place amidst what Chantal described as “an outstanding atmosphere.” She passionately added, “A huge hug to my youngest partner, Sarah! She is genuinely one of the kindest players and individuals I know!”
Laboureur also achieved substantial success beyond CEV competitions. She garnered two gold, six silver, and three bronze medals on the FIVB World Tour, in addition to a silver medal from this year’s inaugural VW Beach Pro Tour. She came exceptionally close to realizing her ultimate ambition of competing at the Olympics, but she and Sandra Ittlinger were defeated in the crucial Tokyo 2020 qualification match in China. Laboureur holds three national championship titles in Germany and was honored as Germany’s Player of the Year in 2018. Last year, she also emerged victorious in the German King of the Court tournament.
“So many incredible memories! And so many fantastic tournaments! I genuinely cherished my time and want to extend my thanks to everyone who was, or still is, involved in ensuring we players have such a rewarding experience!” Laboureur added. “Beach volleyball has given me so much, but as a professional athlete, you inevitably sacrifice a significant part of your social life. We are away from home for many weeks and cannot participate in family life in the same way others do. I love this sport immensely, and if I could manage everything simultaneously and the day had 48 hours, I would probably continue playing until I’m 50, but that is simply not the reality.”
“Now, I plan to travel for a while, and upon my return, I will complete my medical studies (I have one year of practical work remaining) and intend to start a family.”
And then, who knows, perhaps she will gracefully return to the sand courts in a different capacity someday.
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