In 2007 I quit practicing ice skating at a professional level, but sports are still my main drive. I had to find a new way to structure my life. By choosing the International Master of Sport Management, I had the opportunity to further develop my knowledge and skills. I really like the fact that everything I experienced during my sports career now is put into an academic perspective.

What do you like most about the program?

It is a very practical program and everything is linked to sports and sport organizations. To say it in other words: You can immediately apply what is taught in the classroom. That makes the program very lively and interesting. Personally I like the fact that the program not only focuses football, but many other sports. And classes are at the beginning or end of the day, so it's easy to combine with other activities.

What are your expectations after the master?

I started a new foundation named “Sporttop”. The aim of the foundation is to support Dutch talents. I also would like to work on health management and promote well being. I know the influence of sports on daily life. It is clear that you feel and perform better if you practice sports. Everybody, young and old, should do some kind of exercise.

What is your Foundation, Sporttop, about?

In general there is little after care for elite athletes. We are talking about athletes who performed for years for their country. But in most cases, when they have to quit their sport career, they lose immediately their income. I think it is important that these ex-athletes receive help, also financially. To sort things out during the first 6 months, and help them find a new career and promote sports during the second half of the year.

In general there is little after care for elite athletes. We are talking about athletes who performed for years for their country. But in most cases, when they have to quit their sport career, they immediately lose their income. I think it is important that these ex-athletes receive help, also financially. During the first 6 months we help them ‘sort things out’, and help them find a new career and promote sports during the second half of the year.

This will also solve another problem: A lot of knowledge, competences and skills can be lost for society when an athlete finishes their sporting career. Many organizations would benefit by hiring an ex elite athlete. A recent case in the Netherlands is Pieter van den Hoogenband, who said farewell to swimming in December 2008. Everybody says that it would be so important to keep him within the sport sector because of all his knowledge. Nevertheless, nobody undertook anything to support him in this achievement. That is a shame and shouldn't be happening to athletes at the end of their sporting career.