Aloïs GELLENS
Pole vaulter

Aloïs received a grant to finance his sporting season.

What is your sporting background ?
Having played soccer for many years, while also practising athletics, I devoted myself fully to this sport in 2020. I was immediately hooked on pole vaulting because the sensations involved are so special. During lockdown, I discovered the discipline by jumping with a small hazel trunk on the trampoline in my garden. After a year of practice, I showed ability, as I was already in the top 2 French athletes in my category. Today, I'm proud to have won my first selection for the French national team for the U18 European Championships. I achieved the best French U18 performance of 2024 with 5m01.

 How do you view your profession today ?
I love the whole training process and always enjoy practicing. I like to try my hand at all track and field events and I'm doing well in the decathlon. My goals drive me forward and push me to persevere even in the most challenging moments.

How do you see yourself in 5 years ? In 10 years ?
In 5 years' time I hope to already be among the world's best and to be able to achieve great rankings in the major championships, in particular the 2028 Olympic Games. My two biggest career objectives might be achieved in the next 10 years, and that would be beating the world record held by Mondo Duplantis and performing at the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.

Interview conducted in 2024
Photography credit : Lys Arango