Last Wednesday I had the honor to give an inspiring workshop to the students of VSO De Pyler. The theme of their project was ‘health and nutrition’, and as a top athlete I was allowed to share my experiences and insights with them. In addition to the presentation, I also provided two taekwondo clinics.

It was great to get the students excited through sports, but the experience made it even more valuable by being able to contribute to raising awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Good nutrition and sufficient exercise together form the basis for a healthy future. What a wonderful experience to be able to convey my passion for sports and health in this way!

Thank you Oscar Smeets for making this possible!

Sports and exercise:

We have a major problem with the upcoming generation in society. Half of the Dutch population is overweight. Every generation of children is becoming less mobile. One in five children never plays outside. In addition, sports associations and clubs are losing more and more young members. Sports and exercise are under pressure from all angles. As a result, children are becoming increasingly unhealthy and there is less connection between children.

Time for change:

Sporthelden-op-school was founded for this purpose with the mission to bring about a revolution in sports and exercise, health and prevention, so that children become more aware of the importance of exercise and health. This will result in them becoming fitter and being fitter.

A good example is followed by a good example. That is why sporthelden-op-school chooses top athletes who make good examples visible, tangible, recognizable and feasible by putting them in front of the class. I am happy that I am one of these top athletes to inspire the new generation to a better lifestyle and to actually encourage them to take action. With this we show the children that exercise and working on your health does not have to be difficult, and that you can also take small steps in this, with pleasure. In addition to a presentation, every top athlete also gives sports-specific clinics to the children. I provide taekwondo clinics and I think it is great to see how this can get children excited. This way they move well and have fun!

I am really looking forward to inspiring as many children as possible to move more in the coming period!

On Saturday October 19th the Dutch Open took place. It's always special participating at this home event. After 5 months without fighting a match, it was great to be back on the mats again. Unfortunately, I didn't win a medal this time. After winning two matches I narrowly lost from the gold medal winner in the quarter finals. Nevertheless, I can look back on a successful event in which I fought three strong matches.

On to the next one!