The Netherlands have long been a force across most water sports and the Dutch are hoping to make another impact at this year’s Lifesaving World Championships.
While holding their own at the beach, it is in the pool where the Netherlands had most success at Riccione 2022, finishing 11th on the national teams tally.
Robert Hendriks is a stalwart of the Dutch team and could be set to take part for a historic 11th occasion, hoping to emulate his top five finish in beach flags from two years ago.
Claudine Roeman is the current holder of four Masters World Records, two of which were set earlier this year. The Dutch also hold one of the longest-standing Open World Records, with their Female Line Throw mark going more than 14 years without being bettered.
Jolanda van Dalen has a longstanding association with Lifesaving sports not only in the Netherlands but on the world stage too.
She is an ambassador for LWC24 and we caught up with her ahead of next month’s event and even quizzed her as to whether we might see her take part!
Q: How long have you been involved in the sport of Lifesaving, and what keeps you motivated to keep coming back?
A: Since I was 10 years old. I started as an athlete, then a National Coach followed by board member of sport and the vice president in the Netherlands. Internationally I was involved for 12 years in the ILS sport commission. What keeps me motivated is simple: passion. Passion for the work of lifesaving and specific for the sport of lifesaving. It’s a great sport and the humanitarian aspect is fantastic. How can you not like this?
Q: You’ve had an impact in your home country as well as internationally for a long time now. In your mind, how is the strength of both the sport and the movement going in the Netherlands, and globally?
A: We take small steps. It is difficult to make big steps with limited resources. Yet this is necessary, especially because we want to be in the Olympics in 2032. We need to be able to sell the sport better. A World Championship certainly helps with that.
Q: What are you looking forward to most about LWC 2024?
A: To see the best athletes in the world compete against each other in the most diverse and beautiful sport there is. In addition, it is great to meet all lifesaving friends again and share experiences and talk about our great sport.
Q: Which Dutch athletes should we be keeping an eye out for this year?
A: In general we are good at relays. There is a mix of talent together. Robert Hendriks will probably participate for the 11th time. You should never underestimate him. Roelof Stoetzer, our fin specialist, is also someone to keep an eye on.
Q: Any chance of seeing you in the Masters divisions on the Gold Coast?
A: You’re not the first to ask this! I think it’s my perfectionism that’s holding me back. I have a huge drive to win. That’s not possible with the limited time I can put into the training. That is why I choose to show myself in other ways and help the sport and our organisation one step further.
