Credit: Ievgenii Karanov, Chronicle.lu
On Wednesday 16 September 2026, the Luxembourg Sports Press Association (sportspress.lu), together with the management of Groupe Foyer, held an official reception in honour of Patrizia van der Weken, who was named “Best Female Athlete 2025”, at Groupe Foyer’s headquarters in Leudelange.
Luxembourg’s Minister of Sport Martine Hansen and Luxembourg Olympic and Sporting Committee (COSL) President Michel Knepper also attended the event, which brought together around 40 guests.
Sophie Haas, Head of Marketing & Communication at Foyer Assurances, opened the event with a speech highlighting Patrizia van der Weken’s discipline, perseverance and passion. She noted that behind the sprinter’s achievements lay countless hours of training, sacrifices and the ability to manage pressure, adding that Foyer was proud to support her throughout her sporting career.
“Talent is not everything. You also need discipline,” stated Minister Hansen, praising Patrizia van der Weken’s dedication and describing her as an example for young people. She also recalled van der Weken’s two bronze medals in 2025 and highlighted the importance of her coach, team and family in her sporting career.
Michel Knepper praised van der Weken’s results over the past season and her professional approach to athletics. He encouraged her to continue her progress. He also expressed his appreciation for her achievements and encouraged her to continue her progress.
During the 2026 summer season, Patrizia van der Weken finished third in the women’s 100 m at the Diamond League meetings in Stockholm and Doha and placed fourth at the Diamond League Final in Brussels. She also competed at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, finishing sixth as the highest-placed European athlete.
Speaking at the reception, van der Weken thanked those who had supported her throughout the season, including her sponsors, the Ministry of Sport and her family. She highlighted the importance of financial support in enabling her to prepare and compete at the highest level.
“I think the highlight was definitely Ultimate last weekend. I think there I ran my best races of the season,” van der Weken told Chronicle.lu.
She added that she was looking forward to the 2028 Olympic Games, having shown that she could compete at a high level. For now, she plans to rest and recover after experiencing health problems during the season. Her next major target is the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Valencia in early March 2027.
