Engines of society - Charles Grethen

When you're hurtling down the track, with nothing but the finish line in sight, there's a purity in speed—a kind of honesty between yourself and the road ahead. Charles Grethen, Luxembourg's beloved middle-distance runner, embodies that sense of movement, propulsion, and unwavering determination.

We met Charles on an unseasonably gloomy August morning, fittingly, in the driver's seat of the brand-new Volkswagen Golf GTI—the first of its kind to arrive in Luxembourg. His journey from an ambitious young athlete to an Olympian reflects not just speed but perseverance, precision, and evolution—qualities reflected in every turn of the GTI's wheels.

Charles Grethen's story is quintessentially one of hard work and resilience. Born in Tuntange, a small village in the west of Luxembourg, Charles recalls his early fascination with running. "I was never the biggest or the strongest, " he says with a modest smile, "but there was always something liberating about the sound of my footsteps on the track."

The road to the top

His breakthrough came at age 19 when he moved to the United States to compete at a collegiate level, joining Texas State University's track team. "That was a turning point for me, " he says, resting his hand on the sporty GTI steering wheel. "Suddenly, I was surrounded by people who ran even faster, who trained even harder. I knew I had to elevate myself to stay in the game."

Charles has often compared his training regimen to a well-engineered machine—consistent, efficient, and pushing the limits, but only when necessary. Perhaps that's what made this day's drive in the brand-new Volkswagen Golf GTI feel like a fitting reflection of his journey.

It was his performance in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics that solidified Charles' place in Luxembourg's sporting history. In a country with a population of just over 600,000, the number of athletes to reach an Olympic final is limited. Charles became only the second Luxembourger in history to compete in the 1500m final, following the legendary Josy Barthel, who won gold in the same event in 1952. Barthel's name is synonymous with Luxembourg's proudest sporting moment, and the national stadium—Stade Josy Barthel—where Charles regularly trains, is named in his honor.

So, it's only fitting that the Stade Josy Barthel, a place steeped in history and synonymous with Luxembourg's athletic pride, is our first stop of the day. "To reach the final in Tokyo wasn't just a personal achievement; it was like stepping into history. Josy Barthel paved the way, and to follow in his footsteps was humbling, " Charles reflects. "It was a race I'll never forget—so much pressure, but so much pride for Luxembourg."

The GTI felt right at home here, its turbocharged engine roaring in anticipation. The 2024 Golf GTI is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection TSI engine delivering 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 5.6 seconds—enough to make any driving enthusiast feel the thrill of speed, much like Charles at the start of a race.

Charles' transition to professional athletics was marked by years of constant training, physical wear, and psychological adaptation. By the time he qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, it wasn't just his body that had become more powerful, but his mind. "I learned that success is about showing up every single day, even when the conditions aren't perfect. It's about building yourself, bit by bit."

His passion for running mirrors the GTI's dynamic chassis control, which adapts to road conditions in real-time. Just as he learns to master his pace according to the terrain—whether racing on a smooth track or navigating sharp corners—the GTI utilizes its electronically controlled dampers to maintain perfect balance and optimal traction, allowing it to tackle varying surfaces with confidence.

This harmony between man and machine exemplifies the art of adaptability, where both the athlete and the vehicle strive for peak performance under changing conditions. Each decision in a race—when to accelerate, when to ease off—reflects how the GTI's adaptive suspension system and limited-slip differential work in unison to enhance handling, ensuring that every twist and turn is met with precision and control. For Charles, it's this interplay of responsiveness and agility that resonates deeply, embodying the commitment to excellence he brings to his sport.

Overcoming adversity: the road to Paris 2024

As much as his career has been defined by success, Charles has also had to overcome significant setbacks. One of the most challenging moments came in 2024 when illness struck and prevented him from competing in the highly anticipated Paris Olympics. After years of preparation and anticipation, the news was devastating. "It's hard when everything you've worked for slips away because of something beyond your control, " he reflects. But true to form, Charles didn't let the setback defeat him.

"When I found out I couldn't compete, it felt like the ground had shifted. But at some point, you have to accept the things you can't change and focus on what you can control, " he says. "It's about adjusting, recalibrating, and staying mentally strong." Charles has always been known for his resilience, and this situation, although deeply disappointing, has allowed him to refocus. During his time away from the track, he concentrated on his physical recovery, mental clarity, and long-term goals. The setback became a reminder that even the most finely tuned engines sometimes need time to recover and re-energize.

Beyond its impressive powertrain and handling capabilities, the 2024 Golf GTI is infused with advanced technology that enhances both performance and safety—elements that resonate with Charles' journey as an athlete. Much like how he needed to adapt the rhythm of his career, the GTI employs IQ.DRIVE technology to support the driver. Features like Adaptive Cruise Control help maintain a safe distance from the car ahead, while Lane Assist keeps it centered, allowing drivers to focus on the road ahead.

For Charles, this technology parallels the focus and precision he cultivates in training. Just as he adapts to the ever-changing dynamics of a race, the GTI is equipped with Front Assist, which actively monitors traffic and can automatically apply brakes to prevent potential collisions. The Emergency Assist feature, taking control when it detects driver unresponsiveness, reflects a thoughtful design aimed at ensuring peace of mind—an essential quality for anyone pushing their limits.

Inside the GTI, every detail reflects a commitment to performance, mirroring the dedication Charles puts into his training. The updated infotainment system enhances the driving experience with a crisp 10-inch display that provides essential navigation at a glance. The premium sound system envelops the cabin in rich audio, creating the perfect backdrop for Charles to reflect on his runs or listen to motivational tracks. Comfort meets style in the GTI's sport seats, adorned in classic Clark Plaid upholstery, providing the support he needs for spirited driving while honoring the car's storied legacy.

The forest and the balance

Our second stop takes us away from the controlled confines of the racetrack and into the tranquility of the forest—a place where Charles runs casually, away from the pressures of competition. "The forest is my escape, " he says, stepping out of the GTI and taking in the surroundings. The air here is calm, the scent of wood and earth ever-present. For Charles, the forest trails provide an antidote to the rigorous structure of professional training. "Sometimes, it's just about running for the joy of it—no times, no expectations—just the rhythm of your breath and the ground beneath your feet."

The forest, according to him, represents a return to simplicity—a place where time slows down and the distractions of competition fall away. Running here isn't about pace or medals; it's about reconnecting with the fundamental essence of why he began running in the first place. "In the forest, there are no finish lines, no splits to beat—just you and nature. It reminds me of why I fell in love with running, " he reflects, with a rare smile that reveals the deep sense of peace nature brings him.

This serene environment also symbolizes a balance he strives for in his life, between the intensity of his sport and the need for mental and emotional reset. Each tree, each winding path offers him a moment to reflect, to listen to his body, and recalibrate his inner compass. "Out here, I feel grounded. Nature teaches you patience; it reminds you that progress isn't always fast; sometimes, it's about taking steady steps forward."

As we walk deeper into the woods, the contrast between the forest and the high-energy world of athletics becomes more apparent. The forest, with its calming silence, stands in stark contrast to the roar of crowds and the relentless pressure of elite competition. For Charles, this space acts as a sanctuary where he can find clarity and peace. "When I'm out here, the stress melts away. It's like nature has a way of resetting your mind, making you feel whole again, " he adds, pausing for a moment to take in the soft rustle of the leaves.

This sense of balance between intensity and calm is something reflected in the Golf GTI's character. It has a dual nature: thrilling performance paired with the comfort and efficiency needed for daily life. Charles appreciates this approach, saying, "When I was younger, I thought it was all about pushing as hard as possible, all the time. But now, I understand that it's about finding the right rhythm. Knowing when to surge, and when to conserve. It's like learning to run smarter, not just harder; it's about finding the right pace, the right rhythm. The forest reminds me of that—it teaches balance."

Giving back and moving forward

The 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI continues a legacy but modernized to meet the demands of today's driver. It carries the DNA of the original GTI—a focus on driver engagement and sporty thrills—but adds a suite of technology that brings it firmly into the modern era.

The exterior design reflects this blend of tradition and innovation. The GTI is aerodynamic, sleek, and unmistakably sporty with its honeycomb grille, red accents, and aggressive stance. Yet, it remains understated—focused on performance rather than ostentation. Charles, too, embodies this ethos of understated strength. He values what's under the hood: substance over flash, a foundation built from years of discipline. "Being an athlete isn't always glamorous, " Charles confesses as we sit by the forest trail. "It's about showing up every day, regardless of the weather, regardless of how you feel. It's about the long-term goal, not just the quick win."

The GTI's interior continues this balance—classic upholstery on the sport seats pays homage to the GTI's heritage while offering all the comforts of a thoroughly modern cabin. The sport steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls puts everything you need at your fingertips. The GTI's driving profile selection allows you to switch between different modes—Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom—each modifying the car's performance and responsiveness, much like the adjustments Charles makes to his training based on his goals for the day.

While Charles' accomplishments on the track are remarkable, his commitment to giving back to the sport that shaped him is just as profound. After returning to Luxembourg, he made this a priority, offering guidance on the lessons he learned throughout his career. "I was lucky to have people who believed in me, " he says, "and I want to pass that support on."

He invests time in fostering the next generation of runners, ensuring that the support system that helped him achieve his dreams is available to others. His commitment to mentoring parallels Volkswagen's commitment to innovation and responsibility. Just as the GTI is engineered with advanced safety features like IQ.DRIVE, Charles' coaching is designed to ensure that young runners not only excel but do so with a sense of community and shared success.

For Charles, giving back to the sport is not just about technique and training but about passing on the spirit of perseverance. "I want to show young athletes that setbacks don't define you—it's how you move through them that matters. That's the essence of the journey."

Crossing the finish line

As our time with Charles comes to an end, the comparison between the runner and the GTI becomes even clearer. Like Charles himself, the Golf GTI embodies discipline, evolution, and balance. It is built for those who strive not just for immediate speed but for sustained progress—a journey that doesn't wear out.

The GTI is not just a performance vehicle; it's a testament to smart engineering that enhances every drive. Whether on the track, on the road, or along a quiet forest path, Charles reminds us that it's the engines inside us—our passions, resilience, and dreams—that propel society forward. And that, indeed, is the mark of a true engine of society.

"It's not about how fast you go every single moment, " Charles reflects as we bid farewell. "It's about knowing when to accelerate, when to hold back, and how to keep moving forward. In life, as in running, as in driving, it's all about the journey."