Tia Hellebaut Biography: Ethnicity, Parents, Net Worth, Husband, Age, Olympic Medals, Height, Retirement

Tia Van Haver, professionally known as Tia Hellebaut, is Belgium’s trailblazing track and field star, transforming from a promising heptathlete into the nation’s first female Olympic gold medalist in athletics with her stunning 2008 high jump triumph in Beijing.

She cleared an extraordinary 2.05 meters both indoors and outdoors, securing European Championship gold in 2006, European Indoor title in 2007, and World Indoor pentathlon victory that same year, all while setting national records in multiple events.

Her career highlights included finals at the 2004 Athens Games and 2005 Worlds, plus consistent podiums that inspired a generation of Belgian athletes before her 2009 retirement following pregnancy.

Profile

• Full Name: Tia Van Haver
• Stage Name: Tia Hellebaut
• Born: 16 February, 1978
• Age: 47 years old
• Birthplace: Antwerp, Belgium
• Nationality: Belgian
• Occupation: Former track and field athlete
• Height: 1.82m
• Parents: Unknown
• Siblings: Unknown
• Partner: Wim Vandeven
• Children: Lotte Vandeven, Saartje Vandeven, Lars Vandeven
• Relationship: Not Married
• Net Worth: $2 million

Early Life and Education

Tia Van Haver was born on February 16, 1978, in Antwerp, Belgium, to parents whose names are not publicly known. She might have had siblings but details about them are unknown.

She dove into athletics young, winning European Junior heptathlon gold in 1997 while training rigorously in multi-events before sharpening focus on high jump. She is of Flemish roots, though her religion is unknown.

Career

Tia Hellebaut launched as a heptathlete, clinching 1997 European Junior gold and pushing senior boundaries with 6201-point personal best in 2006, but pivoted to high jump after consistent finals like 2004 Olympics and 2005 Worlds.

She exploded with a 2006 European Championship victory at 2.03m in Gothenburg, followed by Golden League wins that stunned favorites.

2007 brought European Indoor gold plus World Indoor pentathlon triumph in Valencia at 4765 points, her ankle injury notwithstanding, as clearances hit 2.05m indoors for national record.

Early specialization honed technique under partner-coach Wim Vandeven, blending speed, power, and precision for breakthrough majors.

Hellebaut peaked at 2008 Beijing Olympics, soaring 2.05m on first try to edge Blanka Vlašić via countback for gold—Belgium’s first women’s athletics Olympic medal since 1964 and first track gold ever by a Belgian woman.

She defended form with strong showings amid maternity break announcements, retiring post-Games at 30 after setting outdoor 2.05m PB.

Medals stacked from juniors to elites, including World Champs finals four times, cementing status as high jump elite with versatility in hurdles, jumps, and throws.

Tia Hellebaut influences through coaching insights and legacy events, her 2.05m dual records enduring as Belgian benchmarks alongside Olympic immortality.

Accolades like Sports Personality of the Year and hall nods affirm impact, from Antwerp tracks to global podiums, inspiring multi-event talents and high jumpers alike.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @tiahellebaut
• Facebook Handle: Tia Hellebaut

Personal Life

Tia Hellebaut partnered with coach Wim Vandeven, welcoming daughter Lotte Vandeven on June 9, 2009, daughter Saartje Vandeven on February 15, 2011, and son Lars Vandeven in March 2014.

She prioritizes family post-retirement, blending athletic discipline with parenting in Antwerp while staying tied to track circles.

Net Worth

Tia Hellebaut has an estimated net worth of $2 million. Olympic gold bonuses, European medals, World Indoor wins, and endorsement deals from her peak years form core earnings.

Post-career coaching and athletics ambassadorship sustain finances in Belgium’s sports landscape.