Chantal Laboureur, the esteemed German beach volleyball player, has etched her name in the annals of the sport with a career marked by remarkable achievements and unwavering determination. Born on January 4, 1990, in Friedrichshafen, Laboureur’s journey in beach volleyball spans over a decade and a half, leaving an indelible mark on the sport both nationally and internationally.
Chantal Laboureur: Personal Information
- Nationality: German
- Born: January 4, 1990 (age 34)
- Birthplace: Friedrichshafen, West Germany
- Hometown: Stuttgart
- Height: 179 cm (5 ft 10 in)
- Weight: 70 kg (154 lb)
Professional Career
Throughout her illustrious career, Laboureur showcased exceptional skill and resilience on the sand, earning accolades and recognition across various tournaments and championships. Notably, from 2021 to 2022, she partnered with Sarah Schulz, marking a period of formidable collaboration in German beach volleyball.
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World Tour 2016
In the 2016 Grand Slam at Long Beach, California, Laboureur, alongside her partner Julia Sude, displayed formidable prowess, reaching the semi-finals. Despite a valiant effort, they faced a defeat against the formidable duo of Kerri Walsh Jennings and April Ross from the United States. However, they rebounded in the bronze medal match against fellow Germans Katrin Holtwick and Ilka Semmler, emerging victorious in straight sets.
Moreover, their dominance extended to the Toronto World Tour finals in September 2016, where they clinched the top spot in Pool D and progressed to the quarter-finals, showcasing their consistency and skill on the international stage.
Personal Life
Beyond her athletic achievements, Laboureur’s personal life reflects her commitment to the sport and the values it instilled in her. Of distant French descent on her father’s side, she credits beach volleyball for imparting invaluable lessons that transcend the confines of the sport itself.
In her own words, Laboureur reflects on her retirement, stating, “I will miss beach volleyball for sure… Beach volleyball gave me thousands of moments of goose bumps, happiness, and lifelong memories!”
A Glorious Career
Laboureur’s ascent in the realm of beach volleyball began early, with notable victories at the CEV U18 European Championship in Brno (2007) and the FIVB U19 Beach Volleyball World Championship in The Hague (2008). Over the years, she amassed an impressive collection of medals, including European Championship bronze (2017) and numerous European Tour golds.
Her partnership with Julia Sude yielded significant triumphs, including gold medals at the 2016 Porec Major and the 2017 Gstaad 5-star tournaments. Despite narrowly missing out on qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Laboureur’s resilience and dedication remained unwavering.
A Fond Farewell
As Laboureur bids farewell to competitive beach volleyball, her impact transcends mere statistics and medals. She cherishes the connections forged and the joy shared with fans and fellow athletes throughout her journey.
Reflecting on her retirement, Laboureur expresses gratitude, stating, “I look back on two great, beautiful years…I appreciated their messages when they told me I made them watch or even start playing beach volleyball on their own.”
Watch: Chantal Laboureur – Playing Beach Volleyball at Timmendorfer Beach
Legacy and Future
While Laboureur’s competitive career may have drawn to a close, her influence on German beach volleyball endures. As her former partner Sarah Schulz embarks on a new chapter alongside Anna-Lena Grune, Laboureur’s legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations of athletes.
As the sands of time shift, Laboureur’s indomitable spirit and passion for the sport will continue to resonate, shaping the landscape of German beach volleyball for years to come.
