What have you done to get to where you are now?
“I have had to work and train hard, as well as show perseverance.”
What did you have to do or let go of?
“I have had to let go of much to get here. Aged 13, I left home and lived with a host family in Amstelveen so I could properly train twice a day. Aged 16, I internally lived in Papendal to train there full-time. After 2,5 years, I was expelled from the National Selection following which I had to train on my own for 3 years. Aged 21, I was requested to join the National Selection again. After moving four times, I ended up where I am now in Arnhem and I train full-time in Papendal.”
What does an average day look like for you?
“Two to three training sessions per day and sometimes resting between meetings.”
What are you focussing on now?
“Over recent years, I have participated in quite a few international tournaments. My focus is now on next year’s Olympic Games. And then, of course, the Games in Paris too. These are the best years of my career and I want to get the most out of them. That’s why I now train twice a day, 5–6 days a week. On the court, plus strength training.”
What setbacks have you faced?
“Badminton is an explosive sport, which involves speed, reaction and power and an injury therefore has a huge impact. It affects you both physically and mentally. At the time it happens, you are fit and then you suddenly have to start all over again. I strained my ankle and that affected me, not only physically, but mentally too.”
What do your feet and ankles have to deal with?
“Badminton contains much jumping and taking off. We therefore continuously and explosively use our feet and ankles that keep correcting.”
Have you had any injuries?
“Yes, I have sprained my ankle multiple times.”
Why do you wear a brace?
“After a number of sprains, the physiotherapist recommends a brace. As my ankle is unstable and not strong enough, we started using a brace.”
How has Covid-19 played a role in your preparation?
“Due to Covid-19, the Olympics have been postponed by a year. Covid-19 makes organising tournaments very difficult, causing there to be less tournaments for us to join. In recent months it has also been a shame that good training camps for the Olympics could not be organised, as the local Covid-19 situation is different everywhere. Otherwise, we are not limited much and can train optimally every day.”
Do you think Covid-19 will still play a role during the tournament?
“Covid-19 will certainly play a role in the tournament. As athletes, we are used to adhering to rules while at tournaments and training camps. It will therefore be no different than usual!”