13-09-2024
Four years ago, I started my bachelor's degree in Law at Tilburg University. The university has made it possible for me to pursue my top-level sports ambitions in combination with my studies. In these four years, in addition to almost completing my bachelor's degree, I have also achieved many sports achievements.
The university has a Wall of Fame to recognize and put in the spotlight its students who excel in both their studies and their sporting career. My dream has always been to have my name on this wall next to the tile of my current region coach Tommy Mollet who reached the Olympic Games and also studied at the same university. The past few years have been extremely challenging for me, and I have had to make many sacrifices in order to be able to combine these two careers.
What was initially a dream suddenly became reality. What initially seemed like a long road suddenly turned out to have been completed after taking small steps. I received the message that I had been nominated to be put on the Wall of Fame. As an athlete, you are always looking ahead to what is yet to come, but we hardly ever think about what we have achieved. After winning the nominations, I realized what great achievements I have achieved over the past four years. This is a great moment to take a moment to look back to it.
Continuously striving for the highest possible level and competing at a world level is an enormous challenge, which I have combined with a university education. The fact that the university recognizes this and has nominated me means a lot to me. It is not always easy to pursue your ambitions with sounds like 'top-level sport is an exaggerated hobby' and 'top-level sport has hardly any added value'. Top-level sport simply has a less favorable position in Dutch society and has minimal support. The fact that the university and more and more other institutions recognize and support the real added value of top-level sport is an important step to the right direction. With the Wall of Fame, the university is encouraging the student athletes. It shows that we are seen and appreciated. But more importantly, our hard work is seen and appreciated.
That is why I would like to thank the University enormously for this award!
This is one of my highlights that will stay with me for the rest of my life!!
Thank you all!
08-02-2026
After a long period of injuries, I was finally able to do what I love most again: compete. At the Austria Open 2026 in Innsbruck, I made my return to international competition — and in a new weight category: -63 kg.
The Austria Open is known as a highly competitive event on the European circuit, attracting strong athletes from across Europe and beyond. For me, however, this tournament was about more than ranking points or medals. It was about stepping back onto the mats.
Moving to -63 kg brought a different physical and tactical dynamic. Different timing, different distance management, different power exchanges. After months of rehabilitation and carefully rebuilding my training, this was my first real test under competitive pressure.
In the first round, I was immediately drawn against a strong Italian athlete who eventually reached the final of the tournament. Not the easiest comeback match — but precisely the kind of challenge that pushes you to grow. The pace was high, the intensity real, and every exchange demanded total focus.
Even if the official result doesn’t fully capture the day, I gained a lot.
I competed again at international level.
I felt the adrenaline of competition again.
I regained confidence in my body.
Coming back from injury is not just a physical process — it is a mental one. Trusting your preparation, trusting your body, and daring to compete again is a victory in itself.
I am incredibly grateful to be back on the mats. This is only the beginning.
Sponsored by:
NihonSport (JC_Alicu), United Consumers, CurrentWerkt, Toppodo, ELVOU
25-01-2026
Last week, I had the opportunity to take part in an exceptional training camp in Oslo, Norway. Together with a select group of international athletes from Denmark and Iceland, we were invited by the Norwegian national team for an intensive and inspiring week.
Under the guidance of Norwegian national coach Marco Scheiterbauer, we trained twice a day throughout the week. The sessions were demanding, high-level, and extremely valuable, thanks to the quality of both the training structure and the international training partners. Outside the dojo, we made time for recovery walks, enjoyed the snow, explored Oslo, and even managed to do some skiing—an experience that added a unique Scandinavian character to the camp.
If I were to summarize this training stage in one word, it would undoubtedly be memorable. Not only because of the physical and technical gains, but also because of the warm hospitality and openness of our Scandinavian hosts. The atmosphere was professional, yet relaxed, and it created an environment where learning and development came naturally.
One moment during the week stood out in a very different way. During a physical training session, I found myself training alongside Jens Stoltenberg. Known worldwide for his career in international relations—most notably as former Prime Minister of Norway and Secretary General of NATO—seeing him train with the same discipline and focus was unexpectedly inspiring.
As someone pursuing a path in international law, the encounter felt symbolic. Stoltenberg’s career reflects the importance of dialogue, resilience, and long-term vision in an international context. Experiencing that parallel—him in international relations and myself in international law—while both engaged in physical training, reinforced the idea that discipline, consistency, and global perspective transcend professions. Whether in diplomacy, law, or elite sport, progress is built through dedication and respect for the process.
This training camp offered far more than just sport-specific development. It was a week of cultural exchange, personal reflection, and renewed motivation. Norway left a lasting impression—both on and off the mat—and this is a training stage that will remain with me for a long time.
19-11-2025
This year, I once again had the opportunity to give an inspiring workshop to the students of VSO De Pyler. The theme of their project was "health and nutrition," and as an elite athlete, I was able to share my experiences and insights with them. In addition to the presentation, I also led two taekwondo clinics.
It was wonderful to inspire the students through sports, but the experience was even more valuable because I was able to contribute to raising awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Good nutrition and sufficient exercise together form the foundation for a healthy future. What a wonderful experience to share my passion for sports and health in this way!
Thank you, Oscar Smeets, for helping to make this possible!
A proud taekwondo athlete with Olympic ambitions who represents the Netherlands at international tournaments. Besides the passion for sports, Aymen is also a Master student of International Law & Global Governance at Tilburg University.
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