I have always been a sporty child, an active little man who loved to play outside and be on the move. And that is exactly the life I live today. That active outdoor kid from the past is still there.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I am living my dream with a passion for water, wind and adventure. As a child, I dreamed of becoming the best windsurfer one day and in 2019 I became a European and World Champion.
I also won the RS:X 2020 World Cup in Australia. Because of this, I am assured of a ticket to the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020.
2. How did you decide to make your passion your career? Was your family supportive?
I have always been a sporty child, an active little man who loved to play outside and be on the move. And that is exactly the life I live today. That active outdoor kid from the past is still there.
I grew up with a football father. And as per usual, I also went on to play football. Running after the ball with all the kids in my hometown Almere. I was always outside. Building huts and experience adventures.
In the summer that I turned 7, I moved to Bonaire with my parents and sister. Because I only went to school in the mornings, I had whole afternoons to spend outside. I did all kinds of sports there. And of course building huts and having adventures again. For me Bonaire was great!
The last year in Bonaire I took a windsurfing lesson. From the first moment, I was sold. From then on my mother picked me and my sister up from school, we ate lunch in the back seat of the car and only when I was finished I was allowed to go on the water. Every afternoon I spend on the water.
My first competition was the Regatta on Bonaire. I couldn’t jibe or tack yet. Just get off and pull your board around the buoy and quickly move on. Watching the local heroes taught me a lot. And soon I had a full set myself. To help pay for it I spend many hours raking the beach to be clean again. My first sail was 2.7 meters. It was as small as tissue but I felt so tough.
I do not have specific idols. I have learned a lot from my coach Aaron McIntosh and training partner and former rival Dorian van Rijsselberghe
3. What is the level of commitment and time required to make a sport a career?
Fulltime, I do live for this Olympic career. Giving up friends, travelling ¾ off the year. Living abroad, being professional and training hard.
4. How can we encourage more youngsters to take up sports as a full-time profession?
Show them the positive sides of sports. Learn about partnerships, different cultures, working hard, be open and honest. But of course, kids need to get the facilities to train like a pro. (No financial stress).
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