As teenagers, the Van Straatens chose their mother’s country, where they can proudly call themselves hockey pioneers. Part of a group that should earn France a medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. To put hockey firmly on the map there.
“There are tools. And we are the golden generation”, Pieter believes. “We hope to be part of those Games together. As a host country, we have already been automatically placed as a host,” says Niels, who is not part of the French selection for the upcoming European Championship.
Because despite the goodwill that they have built up because of their track record, the hard laws of top sport already apply.
National coach Delmee took mentality with him
Jeroen Delmee has a large share in this, the national coach who will start working for the Dutch hockey team after the summer. According to the Van Straatens, he brought the mentality with him to the French team to take that last step in the development, which almost succeeded.
For example, France missed participation in the Games in Tokyo in one match, against Spain. Pieter: “The biggest disappointment in my life.”
Because they have given so much to come here. Then they think back to those mornings when they were at Amsterdam Sloterdijk station at 5 a.m. to take the Thalys to Paris. For another training camp.
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