Michiel Haemels
Michiel’s passion for aviation runs in his DNA. Inspired by his father, a professional pilot and former glider pilot at Albatros, he took his first flight at age 12 and joined the club a year later. What started as a hobby has since become his profession, allowing him to fully dedicate his free time to gliding and competitive flying. With the Junior World Gliding Championship ahead, he is eager to challenge himself against the world’s top junior pilots and continue improving his performance.
Edwige Colson
Edwige’s passion for aviation began early—she was just six months old when she took her first flight with her father, a professional and glider pilot. Growing up around airfields, her love for flying quickly took off. At 15, she completed her first solo glider flight, marking a major milestone. What started as a passion soon became a purpose. She began competing in 2021 and later became a flight instructor, sharing her enthusiasm with others. Today, she works as an Air Traffic Controller. Now in her final year as a Junior competitor, Edwige is ready to challenge herself and grow as she competes against the best in Aalen this summer.
Wannes Smits
Honing his skills since taking the controls at just 14, he now flies out of Zoersel with a strong drive for competitive soaring in the LS4 (LV). Currently studying to become an engineer, Wannes lives for the tactical game in the air and isn't afraid to push the limits to find that extra bit of speed, even if it occasionally means scouting out a good farmer's field. He’s heading into this year’s JWGC ready to give it his all and represent the Belgian Juniors on the world stage.
Virginie Valck
Virginie discovered gliding at the age of 12 and has been hooked ever since. What started as curiosity quickly grew into a true passion. Over the years, she has become an active competition pilot and, more recently, one of the youngest gliding instructors in Belgium. Beyond flying, Virginie is deeply involved in her club and committed to making aviation more accessible, especially for young pilots and women. She actively works to inspire others to take their first steps into the cockpit and feel at home in the sport. As she prepares for the Junior World Gliding Championships in Aalen, Virginie is eager to challenge herself at the highest level, gain experience, and continue growing as both a pilot and an ambassador for the sport.
Guillaume Dohet
Guillaume's path into aviation began with the Royal Belgian Air Cadets, where an early fascination with the sky grew into a lifelong calling. That passion took him all the way to the flight deck - he now serves as a First Officer with Air France, turning what started as a cadet's dream into a professional career at altitude. On the ground, Guillaume brings that same focus and discipline to his role as Team Captain of the Belgian Junior Gliding Team. Steering the team through the preparations and pressures of the JWGC, he leads with the confidence of someone who knows exactly what it takes to perform at the highest level.
Ferre De Cordt
Flying since the age of 14, Ferre brings solid competitive experience to the team. Besides being a skilled pilot, he is the driving force behind the team website and handles all sponsor relations together with Axl. As a key guardian of the team spirit, he ensures a positive and focused atmosphere throughout the championships - and he wouldn't miss it for the world, joining as crew for Wannes Smits.
Axl Bedert
Axl has practically lived on the airfield since he could walk. A true lifelong glider pilot, he now helps drive our social media presence and sponsor relations. With his endless energy and humor, he is the ultimate atmosphere maker of the Belgian team.
Gear Up
Gear Up, the American Shepherd of Edwige & Guillaume, has officially earned his spot on the team - and yes, he's coming along to the JWGC. Gear Up keeps morale high on the ground while the rest of the team takes to the skies! We're not sure he fully understands gliding yet, but he's working on it.
