EDUCATION:

2003 – 2007:
Avans Hogeschool ’s-Hertogenbosch,
B. of ICT, Computer Science

2007 – 2009:
Eindhoven University of Technology,
Human Technology Interaction

OCCUPATION:

2010:
Research Assistant
ICT Department
NIVEL, Utrecht

How did you get started with climbing?
I started climbing at 17 when a close friend on mine asked me if I wanted to go to the climbing centre with him. I’ve always liked sports so it seem like a fun idea. I never wall climbed before and when I tried it for the first time, I liked it. After that, I try coming back on weekdays after school and every Sunday to the climbing centre in Nijmegen. After a year or so, my friends started to quit climbing so I did as well. But I really liked climbing so I returned some time later. I went to the climbing centre more often and started my progression.

Tell us about your first competition?
I started with a local competition. I climbed 6b on sport shoes and had a difficult time getting up in a 6c. The other climbers told me to buy climbing shoes which I did and tested them at my next competition. Climbing went well and a lot easier. I didn’t slip on small foot holds anymore, but I still used my arms a lot to get up because I was used to it. I had no training at all and I just paid attention to how others climb. I learned a lot just by watching others. I liked competing and I wanted to win. It motivated me a lot. I started training a lot and since 2005, I’ve been active in national competitions.

What is your favorite memory or experience during climbing?
My favourite climbing moment is that feeling you get when sending a difficult route. There was this route at the climbing centre that I always feel encouraged to climb. I started to climb it because I wanted to experience what the movements are like. The movements were nice, but the number of rows made it difficult. But with each try, I was able to climb higher and every movement became easier. One day I felt really fresh and I was able to send the route in one time. That feeling was super and it won’t change. I still get that feeling each time I work on a new route and send it with fewer attempts.

What is your favorite place to climb?
My favourite climbing centre at the moment is Monk Bouldergym although my home centre is in Nijmegen. I haven’t been climbing outdoors a lot, but my favourite is Berdorf where I first climbed outdoors and it was super. Nice area, really cool rocks and friendly holds. Another nice area is Fontaine Bleau. I just received a new topo on Fontaine Bleau and I can’t wait to try start using it!

What accomplisment or achievements are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my progression as I continue with the sport. I haven’t been training that serious lately but I still see some improvement. I noticed that when I look at my results. I guess its because I became more comfortable during competitions. It all feels normal to me now like when I competed on the Dutch Champhionship Lead climbing back in 2008 and felt then how relaxed I was. It was a proud moment to me because I made it all the way to the finals. Besides that, I’m also content with my performance at the Promotop qualifications. Things are getting better and I hope to keep it this way!