Jonathan Borlée
A trailblazing Belgian sprinter who, alongside his twin, propelled a nation to unexpected glory on the global track stage.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Belgian sprinter·Birthday: February 22·Millennials
Biography
Jonathan Borlée didn't just run the 400 meters; he was part of a family project that revolutionized Belgian athletics. He and his identical twin brother, Kevin, trained under the guidance of their father, a former sprinter, forming a unique unit that pushed each other to new heights. Jonathan announced his arrival by becoming the first Belgian to break the 45-second barrier in the event, a symbolic shattering of national limits. His career is inextricably linked with his brother and sister Olivia, also a sprinter, as they collectively dragged Belgium into the conversation of sprinting powers. His silver medal as part of the 4x400 meter relay at the 2017 World Championships was a crowning moment, a testament to years of familial dedication. Borlée's legacy is one of pioneering speed and proving that with singular focus, a small nation could compete with the traditional track giants.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jonathan was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jonathan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jonathan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won a silver medal in the 4x400 meter relay at the 2017 World Championships in London.
- Became the first Belgian athlete to run the 400 meters under 45 seconds, setting a then-national record of 44.43 seconds in 2010.
- Competed in three consecutive Olympic Games (2008, 2012, and 2016) for Belgium.
- Held multiple Belgian national records in the 400m and 4x400m relay events throughout his career.
Did You Know?
He is one half of a famous identical twin sprinting duo with his brother Kevin Borlée.
His younger sister, Olivia Borlée, is also an international sprinter specializing in shorter distances.
All the Borlée siblings were coached by their father, Jacques Borlée, a former sprinter himself.
He studied civil engineering at the Université Libre de Bruxelles while competing at an elite level.
“The track is our family business, and the stopwatch never lies.”
