Freya Aelbrecht

Freya Aelbrecht (born 10 February 1990) is a Belgian athlete renowned for her accomplishments in professional volleyball before transitioning to marathon open-water swimming. As a middle blocker, she represented the Belgium women's national volleyball team, earning a bronze medal at the 2013 European Championship and a silver medal at the 2013 CEV European League.^[1] Over a 17-year career spanning clubs in Belgium, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Poland, Romania, France, and Japan, she secured three Belgian championships, two Belgian National Cups, two French cup titles, one Italian Cup, a CEV Champions League silver medal, and a CEV Challenge Cup silver medal.^[1] Aelbrecht announced her retirement from volleyball in October 2024 at age 34.^[1] In 2024, Aelbrecht began training in open-water swimming just one year prior to her debut major achievement, marking a radical shift from her volleyball background. On August 24, 2025, she won the Belgian national championship in the 10 km marathon swim—the Olympic distance—at the event held in Menen, defeating established competitors.^[2] Standing at 189 cm (6 ft 2 in) and weighing 79 kg (174 lb), her physical attributes from volleyball have aided her rapid adaptation to endurance swimming.^[3] Aelbrecht, hailing from Zutendaal, Belgium, views this victory as a pivotal milestone toward qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in open-water swimming.^[2] Her journey is documented in the upcoming film Narwal, produced by Polar Bear, which follows her transition to marathon open-water swimming.^[4]

Early Life

Birth and Upbringing

Freya Aelbrecht was born on 10 February 1990 in Zutendaal, a municipality in the province of Limburg, Belgium.^[3] She grew up in Zutendaal. Aelbrecht developed physically during her youth, reaching a height of 186 cm (6 ft 1 in), an attribute that would later support her athletic endeavors.^[5]

Introduction to Volleyball

Freya Aelbrecht was introduced to volleyball during her youth in the Limburg region of Belgium. Before reaching age 18, she competed in regional youth tournaments across Belgium, where she contributed to team efforts and gained valuable match experience against local rivals. These competitions helped her refine her abilities in high-pressure settings.

Club Career

Early Professional Years in Belgium

Freya Aelbrecht signed her first professional contract with Asterix Kieldrecht in 2008 at the age of 18, marking her transition from youth volleyball to the Belgian Liga A as a middle-blocker. This debut season (2008-2009) saw her integrate into a competitive squad that finished second in both the regular season and playoffs, ultimately becoming vice-champions after a playoff final loss to Dauphines Charleroi (3-2 series). The team also secured the Supercup with a 3-2 victory over VDK Gent and reached the Belgian Cup final, losing 2-3 to VDK Gent. Aelbrecht's role focused on bolstering the team's defensive setup, contributing to a strong block presence that helped Asterix Kieldrecht qualify for European competitions, including early exits in the CEV Cup and Challenge Cup.^[6] In the 2009-2010 season, Aelbrecht played a pivotal part in Asterix Kieldrecht's dominant campaign, where the team topped the regular season and clinched the national championship by defeating VDK Gent 3-1 in the playoff final (Best of 3). They also won the Belgian Cup with a 3-0 triumph over Dauphines Charleroi, achieving a domestic double. On the European stage, the club reached the Challenge Cup Final Four in Dresden, finishing second after notable wins including a 3-2 semifinal victory over Panathinaikos Athens, though they fell to Galatasaray Istanbul (2-3) and Dresdner SC (1-3). Aelbrecht's contributions as a middle-blocker were integral to the team's defensive solidity, which limited opponents effectively throughout the league and cup runs.^[7] The 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 seasons further highlighted Aelbrecht's growing impact, with Asterix Kieldrecht repeating as national champions both years. In 2010-2011, they again led the regular season and playoffs, winning the playoff final 3-2 in the series against VDK Gent, while also capturing the Belgian Cup (3-2 over VDK Gent) and Supercup (3-0 over Dauphines Charleroi). The following year (2011-2012), the team dominated the regular season and six-team playoffs, winning the title against VDK Gent (3-2 series), though they fell short in the Cup final (1-3 to Dauphines Charleroi) and Supercup (2-3 to VDK Gent). European efforts included a CEV Cup round-of-16 win over Neve Shanan Haifa but an eighth-final exit to Galatasaray Istanbul via golden set. Throughout these campaigns, Aelbrecht's blocking prowess supported the club's three consecutive league titles, establishing her as a cornerstone of their defensive strategy.^[8][9]

International Club Stints

Aelbrecht began her international club career in 2012 by joining Racing Club de Cannes in France's Ligue A, marking her debut abroad after establishing herself in Belgium. During her two seasons with Cannes (2012–2014), she contributed to the team's strong domestic performances, including an undefeated league phase in the 2013–14 season that helped secure the championship. The club also competed in the CEV Women's Champions League in both years, where Aelbrecht played three matches each season. Her time in France was a significant step up, as she noted the need to adapt not only to the competitive level but also to independent living overseas.^[10] In 2014, Aelbrecht moved to Italy's Serie A1, signing with Unendo Yamamay Busto Arsizio for the 2014–2015 season. With Busto Arsizio, she featured in nine matches across European competitions, showcasing her blocking prowess as a middle blocker in one of Europe's top leagues. The team reached the playoffs in Serie A1, though they were eliminated in the quarterfinals. Aelbrecht continued in Italy the following year (2015–2016) with Volley Pesaro, where she adapted to the fast-paced Italian style, contributing to mid-table finishes while maintaining solid spike efficiency above 40% in league play. She returned to Italy for the 2017–2018 season with myCicero Volley Pesaro, helping the team secure a mid-table position in Serie A1. She remained in Serie A1 for the 2016–2017 season with US ProVictoria Monza, helping the team avoid relegation and reach the Coppa Italia quarterfinals amid challenges from minor injuries that limited her to about 20 league appearances.^[11][12] Aelbrecht expanded her global experience in 2018–2019 by playing for Kurobe AquaFairies in Japan's V.League Division 1. In Japan, she faced unique adaptations to the league's emphasis on precision and endurance, averaging over 1.5 blocks per set in limited appearances before the season was impacted by scheduling issues. The following season (2019–2020), she joined Türk Hava Yolları in Turkey's Sultanlar Ligi, where the team finished mid-table; her stint was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, but she recorded notable block numbers in domestic matches.^[1] Aelbrecht returned to Italy in 2020–2021 with Perugia Volley in Serie A1, aiding a playoff push despite the disruptions from the ongoing pandemic. In 2021–2022, she played for Radomka Radom in Poland's Tauron Liga, where the team reached the semifinals, and Aelbrecht excelled in blocking with efficiency rates exceeding 45%. Her international journey continued in 2022 with Olympiacos Piraeus in Greece's A1 Ethnikí Katigoría, contributing to a league runner-up finish and participating in the 2023 CEV Challenge Cup. She moved mid-season to HR Macerata in Italy's Serie A1 for the remainder of 2022–2023, her sixth stint in the country, where the team made the playoffs. Aelbrecht concluded her club career in 2023–2024 with CSU Medicina Târgu Mureș in Romania's Liga Națională, where the team finished mid-table.^[1] Throughout her international stints from 2012 to 2024, Aelbrecht played across eight countries, facing challenges such as language barriers, varying league intensities, and occasional injuries that affected her consistency. Her defensive impact as a middle blocker was a hallmark of her career.^[1]

International Career

Junior and Youth Representation

Freya Aelbrecht began her international career at the youth level with the Belgium team at the 2006/2007 CEV Volleyball Youth European Championship.^[13] She continued in 2008 with the Belgium junior team at the CEV Volleyball Junior European Championship.^[13] Aelbrecht's junior international career with the Belgium U20 team included her roster spot for the 2009 FIVB Volleyball Women's U20 World Championship, held in Tijuana and Mexicali, Mexico from July 16 to 25. As a middle blocker, she was listed on the roster but did not record playing points during the tournament, serving primarily as a reserve player during Belgium's campaign.^[13]

Senior National Team Appearances

Freya Aelbrecht made her debut with the Belgium women's senior national volleyball team in 2011, participating in the CEV Volleyball European Championship, where she appeared in 15 matches.^[14] She continued with the team in the 2012 Olympic Games European Qualification tournament, wearing shirt number 9 and providing blocking support, though Belgium did not advance.^[13] By 2013, she had established herself as a core middle blocker, contributing to Belgium's historic bronze medal at the European Championship, where the team defeated Serbia in the third-place match, and a silver medal at the CEV European League.^[15][1] In 2015, Aelbrecht featured prominently in multiple international events, including the European Games in Baku, where Belgium reached the quarterfinals, the Women's European Volleyball Championship, and the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix, helping the team compete against top global opponents.^[16] Her role expanded further in Olympic qualification campaigns, with appearances in the 2016 European Olympic Qualifications, as well as efforts toward the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, though Belgium did not advance.^[17][18] Aelbrecht represented Belgium at the 2017 European Championship, where the team finished 14th.^[19] She continued representing Belgium in subsequent major tournaments, including the 2019 and 2021 European Championships, maintaining her status as a defensive anchor through her retirement in 2024.^[17][20] Over her senior international career spanning 2011 to 2024, Aelbrecht appeared in 130 CEV-organized matches, scoring 911 points for an average of approximately 7 points per match, primarily through blocks and attacks.^[17]

Retirement and Legacy

Retirement Announcement

Freya Aelbrecht announced her retirement from professional volleyball on October 10, 2024, marking the end of a 17-year career as a prominent Belgian middle blocker.^[1] Her decision came after completing her final season with CBF Balducci HR Macerata in Italy's Serie A1 during the 2023-2024 campaign, where she played a key role in the team's performances leading up to farewell matches that honored her contributions.^[21]

Impact on Belgian Volleyball

Freya Aelbrecht played a pivotal role in elevating the Belgian women's national volleyball team, the Yellow Tigers, from perennial underdogs to consistent European medal contenders during the 2010s. As a core member of the squad, she contributed significantly to the team's historic bronze medal at the 2013 European Volleyball Championship, Belgium's first-ever podium finish in a major senior international tournament, which marked a turning point for the sport's popularity and development in the country.^[1] Her defensive prowess as a middle blocker was instrumental in this breakthrough, exemplified by standout performances like her five kill blocks in a key 2013 European League match that helped secure vital points for the team.^[22] Aelbrecht's influence extended to the 2017 European Championship, where the Yellow Tigers claimed silver, further cementing Belgium's emergence as a formidable force and inspiring heightened investment in domestic volleyball infrastructure and talent pipelines.^[1] As team captain during this period, she provided on-court leadership and mentorship to emerging players within the "golden generation" of Belgian volleyball, fostering a culture of resilience and technical excellence that influenced subsequent squads.^[23] Her career-long blocking statistics, including 224 kill blocks across European competitions, underscore her legacy as one of the national team's most reliable defenders, setting a benchmark for future middle blockers.^[17] Additionally, her public testimony regarding negative coaching practices and their mental health impacts within the Yellow Tigers prompted a high-level investigation by Belgian authorities in 2021, contributing to broader discussions and potential reforms aimed at improving athlete welfare in the national program.^[24]

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Freya Aelbrecht has been in a committed relationship with Belgian artist and author Fleur Pierets since at least early 2025.^[25] The couple maintains a low public profile regarding their partnership, with Pierets occasionally referenced in media coverage of Aelbrecht's post-volleyball endeavors.^[25] Pierets has played a supportive role in Aelbrecht's transition from professional volleyball, collaborating on a book and documentary project titled Narwal that chronicles Aelbrecht's shift to open-water swimming and her pursuit of the 2028 Olympics.^[25] This partnership provides emotional and creative backing, as Aelbrecht has described Pierets as a key motivator during challenging training periods.^[26] Throughout her volleyball career, Aelbrecht benefited from strong family support amid the demands of professional travel and competition, though details remain limited due to her preference for privacy in personal matters. Aelbrecht has not publicly disclosed information about motherhood or children, aligning with her overall approach to shielding family life from media scrutiny.

Post-Retirement Pursuits

Following her retirement from professional volleyball in October 2024, Aelbrecht pivoted to endurance sports, embarking on a new challenge in open water swimming. Having begun training only one year prior, she captured the Belgian national championship title in the 10K open water event in August 2025, marking a remarkable debut in the discipline.^[27] This accomplishment forms part of her broader ambition to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in marathon swimming, a goal she pursues at age 35 after two decades in volleyball. Her transformation and rigorous preparation are chronicled in the documentary Narwal, produced by Polar Bear and directed by Fleur Pierets, which highlights her radical shift from team sport to individual endurance athletics.^[4] Aelbrecht maintains an active involvement in running and overall fitness, a passion carried over from her volleyball career where she frequently shared updates under the personal hashtag #toobusyrunningit, emphasizing her busy lifestyle centered on physical activity.^[28]

Honours and Awards

Team Achievements

Freya Aelbrecht's team achievements span her contributions to the Belgium women's national volleyball team and several prominent clubs across Europe, where she helped secure multiple domestic and international titles as a key middle blocker.^[1] With the national team, Aelbrecht played a pivotal role in Belgium's bronze medal at the 2013 CEV Women's European Volleyball Championship, marking the country's first podium finish in the tournament. She also contributed to the silver medal at the 2013 CEV Women's European League, defeating the Netherlands in the semi-final but falling to Germany in the final.^[1][29] At the club level, Aelbrecht earned three Belgian League championships with Asterix Kieldrecht in the 2009–10, 2010–11, and 2011–12 seasons, contributing to the team's dominance in the domestic competition during that period. She also helped Asterix Kieldrecht win the Belgian Cup in the 2009–10 and 2010–11 seasons. With RC Cannes in France from 2012 to 2014, Aelbrecht secured two French Cup titles in the 2012–13 and 2013–14 editions, and a silver medal in the 2012–13 CEV Women's Champions League, where the team finished as runners-up to Vakıfbank Istanbul. With Volley Bergamo in Italy during the 2015–16 season, she won the Italian Cup. Furthermore, she won a silver medal in the 2009–10 CEV Women's Challenge Cup with Asterix Kieldrecht, adding to her European honors.^[1][18]

Individual Recognitions

Throughout her volleyball career, Freya Aelbrecht earned several individual honors, particularly recognizing her prowess as a middle blocker. These accolades highlighted her defensive skills and contributions in both domestic and international competitions.^[30] In the 2010-2011 season, Aelbrecht was named Best Blocker in the Belgian Cup, where her blocking performance earned her 27 points in the tournament's ranking system. The following year, during the 2011-2012 Belgian Cup, she received the Best Middle-Blocker award, again accumulating 27 ranking points for her standout defensive play.^[30][31] On the international stage, Aelbrecht's blocking ability shone in the 2013 Women's European Volleyball League, where she was selected as the Best Blocker by the CEV, contributing significantly to Belgium's runner-up finish with multiple kill blocks in key matches.^[32][33]