Vice-European Champion in Long Distance
This Saturday, September 14th, will be etched in my memory. It was the day of my first Full Ironman: 3.9 km of swimming, 180 km of cycling, and a 42 km marathon. At 7:10 am, I took off from the starting line of the Challenge Almere during the European Long Distance Championships.


With no prior experience in this distance, I entered the race without any specific time or pacing goals. My only objective was to cross the finish line! I raced by feel, trying to enjoy every moment.
At 22 years old, as the youngest participant in the event, I completed my first Ironman in 8h30min16sec, breaking the course record and earning the title of Vice-European Champion. Who would have thought I would run a marathon in 2h57min48sec and emerge from the water first with a record swim time of 51min05sec?!
I am an Ironman


From the start, I focused on my sensations, adapting to each section of the course. Determination and joy were my driving forces throughout the race. Not knowing what to expect, I listened to my body, whether it was during the 180 km of cycling or the 42 km run.


But what truly made this day special was the unwavering support of my family, who traveled all the way to the Netherlands to cheer me on. My parents, brother, and boyfriend were there throughout the race, and sharing this achievement with them was incredibly intense. Their support, both during preparation and on race day, was essential. My brother Jeevan ensured my bike was perfectly tuned, my mom Madeleine prepared my personal nutrition the night before and refueled me during the fourth lap of the marathon, and my dad Christof provided intermediate times and gave me much-needed massages after the race. And, of course, their constant encouragement. They are an integral part of this success!



I also have immense admiration for all the finishers and everyone who has ever completed an Ironman. It takes a steely mindset to reach the finish line, and as I’ve always said: “When there’s a will, there’s a way.” During the race, other participants gave me strength during the tough moments, and this shared experience of pain and perseverance, especially during the marathon, creates a unique bond between athletes.
A little anecdote from the day: while on the bike course, passing through a natural area with narrow paths, I found myself face to face with a wild horse. Slowing down, I tried to pass by, but suddenly it started galloping beside me before cutting across my path. Just as I was relieved, five more horses emerged from the bushes, running straight toward me! I braked sharply, and they passed right in front and behind me. More fear than harm, but it was definitely an unexpected encounter with the local wildlife!
I must admit, this performance blew me away. Between my first marathon in under three hours, breaking the course record, and setting a personal best in the swim, I could never have imagined such a result. And to finish as Vice-European Champion… Wow.


This title is a huge source of pride. It shows me that I have the potential to go far in long-distance events, and it fuels my inspiration for the next stages of my career. It was a rich learning experience that allowed me to better understand my capabilities and gave me even more motivation for what’s next. With even more specific training, I know great heights are within reach. The future is bright, and I can’t wait to see where it leads me.
A big thank you to everyone who supported me in this adventure. This is just the beginning.


0 Comments