Belgian BMX star Elke Vanhoof has announced her retirement, closing a remarkable chapter in the sport’s history. As a two-time Olympian (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2021) and 2015 European Champion, Elke also claimed silver at the 2017 and 2022 European Championships and secured eight national titles. Known for her resilience and passion, she has inspired countless athletes and raised the profile of Belgian BMX racing globally. Thank you, Elke, for your extraordinary career and legacy! Photos by Navada Photography.
After 25 incredible years of BMX racing and 15 unforgettable years of living my dream as a professional athlete, the time has come to officially hang up my helmet. This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary—filled with challenges, victories, and countless lessons, both on and off the track.First and foremost, I want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way.
To my amazing family: you’ve been my rock through every high and low. 🩵
To my teammates, coaches, sponsors, and supporters: thank you for believing in me and pushing me to be the best version of myself. 👊🏻Thank you to the Belgian Defence, where I had the privilege of competing as a military athlete. Representing Belgium with pride has been an honor I’ll cherish forever.🫡 While my BMX journey ends here, the lessons I’ve learned will guide me as I step into this new chapter. I’ll continue to serve within the Belgian Defence and dedicate myself to helping others achieve their goals. Through coaching and personal training, I aim to inspire athletes, entrepreneurs, and individuals over 30 to build stronger, healthier, and more energized lives. Topsport has shaped me into the person I am today. It’s taught me resilience, discipline, and the power of chasing dreams. Now, it’s my turn to pass those lessons on to others.
Thank you, BMX, for the memories. Thank you, Belgium, for the privilege. And thank you to everyone who believed in me along the way.
Here’s to the next adventure! 🥳 #dreambig
Elke ✌🏻
