The athlete's passion for volleyball was influenced by his mother, who played the sport. He enjoyed accompanying her and developed a love for the game's diversity. He appreciates the responsibility and pressure that comes with playing without a coach during matches.

Training and Coaching

Under the guidance of national coach Victor Anfiloff from Australia, he trains rigorously. His regime includes two training sessions per day, six days a week. He plays as a right-side blocker and is right-handed.

International Debut and Achievements

He made his international debut in 2008, representing the Netherlands. His notable achievements include winning bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and gold at the 2013 World Championships in Stare Jablonki, Poland.

Challenges and Injuries

The athlete faced challenges with injuries, particularly to his right knee. He first injured it at the start of 2014, causing him to miss several World Tour events. He re-injured the same knee in May 2015.

Milestones and Partnerships

In partnership with Alexander Brouwer since 2011, they have achieved significant milestones. They won the Netherlands' first beach volleyball medal at the Olympics by claiming bronze in 2016. They also secured the country's first world championship title in 2013.

Personal Life and Education

Residing in The Hague, he speaks Dutch and English fluently. He pursued higher education in Sports Marketing at Rotterdam University of Applied Science. His hobbies include playing golf and video games.

Family Support

Throughout his career, his parents have been a source of support. They travelled to his matches, with his father developing an interest in volleyball over time. Their continued support extends to attending tournaments abroad.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, he aims to win a gold medal at future Olympic Games. His dedication to training and passion for the sport continue to drive him towards achieving this goal.

The athlete's journey reflects his commitment to excellence in beach volleyball. With strong family support and a dedicated training regime, he remains focused on achieving new heights in his career.