
This year, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Laure better. As her coach, I’ve had the joy of making her do plenty of burpees – which she enthusiastically tackles, even on holiday! But we’ve also shared many fun Friday evenings at the Steenwijklaan sports hall. It didn’t take long to discover we have quite a bit in common, from our curly hair to our shared love of rock and happy hardcore. Of course, I’m always curious to learn more, so it was time to dig into some surprising facts about Laure.
And yes, there were definitely some surprises! For instance, I never would have guessed that her favourite films are the Star Wars trilogy (Episodes IV, V, VI). These were some of the first films she saw in the cinema with her family, and she still remembers the relaunch of The Empire Strikes Back vividly. The films are filled with special memories, partly thanks to her friends, who are massive Star Wars fans.
When it comes to music, you can chat with Laure for hours. Music plays a significant role in her life, and she doesn’t have one specific favourite – it all depends on her mood. So, I asked her to share a playlist for each mood, and here’s what she said:
- Day to day: rock, metal, hard rock, techno (all kinds)
- Training: techno
- If I’m angry: rap, hip-hop
- If I’m homesick: French music
- To party: fast-paced techno, industrial, (early) hardstyle, hardcore – and in summer, I can sometimes handle house music 😉 – plus 80s and 90s parties just for fun
- To relax my ears from time to time: classical music
Her favourite genres overall? Techno and rock.
Naturally, I also asked about her favourite book. Laure’s top pick is La Nuit des Temps (The Ice People) by René Barjavel. “I read it when I was in secondary school – my mum recommended it to me. This book really moved me, and to this day, it’s still my favourite.”
Set in the icy, desolate expanse of Antarctica, Barjavel breathes life into the legend of eternal lovers. This novel is a true classic of French literature and remains a favourite among readers in France.
Amidst the serene white silence of Antarctica, a team of French polar expedition members work tirelessly to extract ice cores. The ice sheet is over 1,000 metres thick, with the deepest layers containing ice crystals that are 900,000 years old. Then, the unthinkable happens: their equipment picks up a signal – from beneath the ice. A transmitter lies hidden in the frozen depths. This groundbreaking discovery makes headlines around the world: “A City Beneath the Ice,” “A Heart Beneath the Glacier.” What’s next? Who are the scientists and technicians who will unearth this incredible mystery?
It sounds like an amazing story, but my French is currently limited to phrases like, “Bonjour, je suis Milene, ça va? J’adore un pain au chocolat!” So reading an entire book might be a bit ambitious for me. On to Laure’s next favourite…
Something I can more easily relate to – her favourite holiday destination: South Corsica. “It’s been my go-to holiday spot since I was born. It’s the perfect moment to reunite with family I only see once a year, while enjoying the breathtaking scenery – both beaches and mountains – and, of course, the food.” What a dreamy holiday idea!
And what’s Laure’s favourite food? “Fresh potato gnocchi with tomato sauce made by my grandma. She used to make them by hand for us, and they were absolutely amazing.” That sounds like something straight out of a culinary fantasy!
One more for the road, because chatting with Laure is so much fun… Her favourite drink? Champagne! “I love the taste, and it’s synonymous with celebration. Plus, a good champagne doesn’t give you a headache, which is a big bonus!”
But we weren’t quite finished yet, as I asked about her favourite hobby outside volleyball. She didn’t have to think long about this one: “Going to the beach. There’s always something fun to do, from chilling with friends and barbecuing to playing beach volleyball, swimming, or going for a run. Or just sitting quietly, thinking, or reading a book. In winter, it’s a bit more difficult (especially in this country), so I’d say volleyball – both indoor beach and hardcourt.”
And there you have it – Laure’s five favourites! I hope you’ve learned something new about her, just like I did!