Hanne De Vet

One of the best young hopes for her country, the 23-year-old finished third in the Belgian National Championship in 2019, following her runner-up spot at junior level two years earlier.

De Vet also finished ninth in the Arena Games finals in Singapore, an appearance which was reward for a strong start to the season where she had three top eight finishes in New Zealand in New Plymouth, Taupo and Mount Maunganui in Tauranga.

De Vet placed 18th in the World Under-23 championship in Edmonton last year and a month later made her World Triathlon Championship Series debut in Hamburg. The following day she also led out a young Belgian Hammers team in fast-paced mixed relay competition.

Coming from a swimming background, De Vet followed her father and sister into triathlon. “I was always very competitive against my brother and sister in swimming – and didn’t like to lose,” she says. “So, growing up with siblings definitely taught me how to compete. But overall, I am just a triathlete who loves having fun. People mostly know me as a happy, bubbly person. I see this as my strength in triathlon.”

Having partnered with charity Athletes For Hope as one of 13 young athletes across a range of sports, De Vet’s best performances will be linked to buying a walking robot for kids with spinal cord injuries and life-changing conditions. It’s the same development programme as compatriot and Super League ace Marten van Riel was part of for 12 years.

“I am very thankful for this opportunity,” she adds. “I just love what I’m doing, and I am very excited to race Super League Triathlon against the best athletes in the world.”

Having raced in the 2022 Championship Series, De Vet is now returning to Arena Games Triathlon, to try and build on her experience from last year’s championship.