After the Olympic Games that were so successful for the Netherlands and Brabant, the Paralympic Games will begin this Wednesday evening, also in the French capital Paris. Our province will be represented by eleven participants, including several medal candidates. We will list all ‘our’ participants for you.
Kimberly Alkemade (34)
With world records in the 100 and 200 meter sprint, this para-athlete from Den Bosch is a major candidate for two gold medals. Kimberly herself knows it is possible and hopes to run her fastest times ever. “I’m going for the highest possible, but it certainly won’t be easy with such strong competition. But it’s not impossible.”
READ ALSO: World record after world record for Kimberly: ‘I already felt it in my heart’
Marlene van Gansewinkel (29)
A major competitor of Kimberly is Marlène van Gansewinkel from Hilvarenbeek. She won two gold medals during the 2021 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Marlène also competes in the long jump, an event in which she won a medal at the last two Games. “Of course there is pressure, but I am mainly going to enjoy it. My goal is to run my best race, then I am satisfied. If someone is faster, then so be it.”
Kiki Hendricks (23)
Para-athlete Kiki Hendriks from Roosendaal would have preferred to participate in the 100 meters in Paris, but at an internal battle With three other Dutch sprinters she just missed out on the selection. She is allowed to participate in the long jump. “I am fourth in the world rankings, anything is possible.”
READ ALSO: Kiki is not allowed to sprint in Paris, now she dreams of a long jump medal
Levi Vloet (28)
He feels at home on the track and is happy when he gets to sprint. Levie Vloet from Linden managed to qualify for the 200 meters and hopes to make history there. “With my time I am third on the ranking list, but normally there are three athletes who are just above me. I have little influence on what the rest do, I want to deliver my best race and be at the front in the final.”
Niels Vink (21)
If anyone knows what winning is, it is Niels Vink. The wheelchair tennis player from Helmond has already won several beautiful titles. Three years ago in Tokyo he won gold in doubles and he hopes to prolong that title. His biggest dream is also gold in singles. “Am I a favorite? I think it is fine what everyone expects of me. I first have to see if I reach the final. For that I have to win the necessary matches first.”
READ ALSO: Niels is the best in the world, but tournaments cost him money
Niels Vink (foto: Gregory Picout/PRESSE SPORTS).
Maikel Scheffers (41)
Maikel Scheffers is almost 42 years old, but the wheelchair tennis player from Den Bosch is still among the world’s best. He competes in singles and doubles, with the latter category offering the greatest chance of success. “We have won several great tournaments and beaten all participating doubles combinations. We have also lost to all of them, so there is a great and strong field of participants.”
Sylvana van Hees (31)
The wheelchair basketball players won gold at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo. The big question is whether they can extend that title in Paris? Sylvana van Hees from Halsteren is back in the game. Enforcing your place in the Dutch team is already impressive, especially when you consider that Sylvana does not have a right forearm.
Demi Haerkens (26)
Demi Haerkens has been riding horses since she was five and now, 21 years later, the rider from Helmond is still crazy about them. “I am happy when I am on a horse”, she says. Demi is making her debut at the Paralympic Games in Paris and that is a dream come true. That she has a great connection with EHL Daula NOP was proven last year at the European Para-dressage Championships, when the rider won three gold medals.
READ ALSO: After her world record, rider Demi Haerkens had to wipe away a tear
Demi Haerkens (photo: KNHS).
Rixt van der Horst (32)
Winning a medal is nothing new for Rixt van der Horst. The Someren-based rider won three bronze medals and two silver medals during the previous two Paralympic Games. But the former world and European champion would love to win that gold medal in Paris.
Sanne Voets (37)
The most experienced provincial in para-dressage is Sanne Voets. In London in 2012, the rider from Berghem was already there. Then she just missed out on the prizes. In Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo she was successful, with a total of three gold and one silver medal. Will there soon be a party in Berghem again?
READ ALSO: Sanne Voets honored in Berghem with Osje of Merit
Kelly van Zon (36)
She was the best table tennis player at the Paralympic Games in 2012, 2016 and 2021. The Dongen native is the world number 1, but does not want to hear about a favorite role. “I never make statements about a medal, you only have yourself with it if things go a bit less well. Of course I want to win, but there are more who go for gold. I have lost the European and world title, so who is the favorite now? But I certainly feel sharp, I feel good about myself.”
