The low-key reception held in Erasmus Sports’ building was a good opportunity for the athletes to reflect on their participation in the Tokyo Olympics. Malou Pheninckx, who won a gold medal with the women’s field hockey team, said: “Normal life resumed very soon after the Olympics, so it’s nice when I get a little moment like this that takes me back to that experience.” Along with Pheninckx, rower and bronze medallist Marieke Keijser, track-and-field athlete Irene van der Reijken and rowers Eline Berger and Jasper Tissen attended the reception.
Inspiration to others
In his speech, the Chairman of EUR’s Executive Board, Ed Brinksma, explained that the university feels that its students must be given the opportunity to fulfil their entire – for instance, through the elite athlete support programme. The achievements of the students and alumni are commendable for that reason, as well, since they will inspire others to fulfil their potential.
Rebekka Kadijk, a three-time Olympian herself and manager of the elite athlete support programme, explained why she felt these sportsmen and sportswomen deserved to be put in the limelight. “The Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship are in line with the university’s values, as well. These sportspeople have performed wonderfully. And not just for themselves, either. This is having quite the impact on the university, too.” The athletes’ contribution will be commemorated in the new sports complex, which is currently being built, in a ‘Wall of Fame’ that will feature the athletes’ photos.
