Luxembourgish athlete and 3,000-metre steeplechase specialist Ruben Querinjean is the latest guest on CASINO 2000’s “En toute intimité” podcast, recorded in partnership with the Luxembourg Olympic and Sporting Committee (COSL).
From his first steps in athletics to his European silver medal in 2026, including his participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, he looks back on the defining moments of his career, offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into elite sport, and shares his ambitions for Los Angeles 2028.

From a Childhood Dream to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Before becoming one of Luxembourg’s most promising athletes, Ruben Querinjean discovered running almost by chance, through school cross-country races in Belgium. Passionate about sport from an early age, he played football and practised breakdancing before choosing athletics at around the age of nine.

In 2016, encouraged by his coach, he turned his attention to the 3,000-metre steeplechase, a demanding discipline combining endurance, speed and obstacle clearance.

Inspired as a child by the Olympic Games and sprinter Usain Bolt, Ruben Querinjean dreamed early on of competing at the world’s biggest sporting event. That dream became a reality in Paris in 2024, where he represented Luxembourg and finished in 26th place.

It was an unforgettable experience that only strengthened his determination to go even further.

2025 and 2026: Ruben Querinjean Reaches New Heights

After several seasons marked by injuries, Ruben Querinjean made spectacular progress in 2025. He won gold at the World University Games, claimed victory at a Diamond League meeting in Brussels and finished 10th at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

In 2026, he cemented his status on the international stage by winning the silver medal at the European Championships in Birmingham. An achievement made all the more remarkable by the injuries and health issues that had disrupted his preparations.

He then continued his season with a third-place finish in the mile in Copenhagen, an unusual distance for a steeplechase specialist.

Behind these results lie years of hard work, unwavering determination and confidence built steadily over time.

© Laurie-Anne ALLARD

Behind the Scenes of Elite Sport: Discipline, Recovery and Balance

In this episode of “En toute intimité”, Ruben Querinjean also offers an insight into his daily life as a professional athlete.

With two training sessions a day, strength and conditioning work, nutrition and recovery, his entire routine is structured around performance. He highlights the importance of sleep, naps and consistency in achieving sustainable progress.

However, he also emphasises the need to maintain a healthy balance in his personal life. Behind the athlete is a young man who enjoys life’s simple pleasures: having a coffee, going cycling or spending a quiet evening with friends.

His philosophy is a reminder that sporting success depends not only on the intensity of training but also on the ability to listen to your body and protect your well-being.

Los Angeles 2028: A New Olympic Dream

Following Paris 2024 and his achievements in 2025 and 2026, Ruben Querinjean is now looking towards the future with renewed ambition.

His goal is to continue improving in the 3,000-metre steeplechase, move closer to the symbolic eight-minute barrier and compete for the top places at major international championships.

But one event holds a particularly special place in his plans: the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, where he hopes to reach the pinnacle of his career.

During the conversation, he also shares an inspiring message with young athletes who dream of following in his footsteps: “Allow yourself to dream.”

© Laurie-Anne ALLLARD