Foot race: Laurentin Lucas in the footsteps of his father William

Blood will tell... The saying is bound to be heavy with meaning for someone who inherited this taste for surpassing oneself, this almost vital, almost irrepressible need to constantly push one's limits. Qualities that, in his eyes, made his father an example, almost a hero. And yet! While they share the same genetic code and demonstrate a true daily bond, between William and Lucas, it's the inevitable clash of generations. Two worlds that intertwine, but also two ways of seeing sport, of appreciating its constraints too...

At almost 52 years old, the head of the family (he also has a daughter, Chloé, who, at 12, began to perform in school cross-country races) has lost none of his lucidity and knows full well that his career is more or less behind him. A former high-level athlete (registered on the ministerial lists) and retired from the Army, he boasts a list of achievements that would make more than one asphalt eater dizzy: while he has won several French championship titles, he has also been crowned European and World Masters champion. In truth, the name Struyven, to the ears of specialists, rings out like a reference. Even if, from now on, the man is fighting more to slow down the race of time than to defy the clock...

Admiration and pride

Despite everything, he remains a role model, and even a source of inspiration for this offspring who, very early on, accompanied him to the races. Climbed with him onto the podiums (inset photo). " I always admired him ," Lucas says. "He made me want to be like him ... "

The young man (18 years old), a second-year intern in preparatory classes (engineering) at the CIV in Valbonne, however, only decided to follow in his father's footsteps and get his own bib quite late. Even though it seemed like a given, and in reality, he waited much less than that before putting on his first pair of sneakers. "At first, it was more for hygiene, health. Direct confrontation with others doesn't really interest me. But over time, I reached a certain level, so I started to take part in official races ."

Three sessions per week

It was a good move for him. While he's still only a junior, he's already won three scratch classifications (including, most recently, the 12km Mounta Cala de l'Abadia). "There's bound to be emotion in seeing him win, pride too. Even though I know he's only at 30 or 35% of his potential..."

However, don't count on the dad to put pressure on this designated heir. "Under no circumstances! As a coach ( at Stade Laurentin, for a quarter of a century, Editor's note ), I'm just starting to give him a few sessions. For the past 7 or 8 months, he's gone up to three training sessions per week ." And it may not seem like much, but for the student, it's not without consequences on an already hyper-condensed schedule... For the time being, however, he seems to be finding it to his advantage. "It allows me to better measure my progress. But be careful, for me, running is first and foremost an inner balance..."

So, there's no question of him changing his perception of the future or upending his priorities. "I don't plan ahead, I don't have any specific goals. My studies come before everything else. Running is just a passion, a pleasure."

Studies first!

"And I see that in a very positive light ," the father replied. "I know he's happier that way. In any case, he's free to make his own choices. Ultimately, I only expect one thing from him: that he gives himself the means to reach his maximum."

To nevertheless want to remain in the sharing, the transmission. "He's grown up enough that we can go jogging together. And it won't be long before he's faster than me. When that happens, it will be a real source of pride! But Lucas, through his perseverance and his way of being, is already the son everyone would dream of having."

Qualified for the upcoming French 10km Championships, the young man has just signed his very first license at the Stade Laurentin. A sign?

Three generations

The father, the son, and… the grandfather, Charles. Who, "actually, started running with me," William recalls. "At first, it was just to accompany me, but he quickly took to it. To the point of reaching a good regional level. "