All my life I suffered from a severe lung-asthma. As a child I was in bed "sick" several times of the year. As my b-day is in December I cannot even remember having a b-day that I was not sick! My physician told me to get out and get involved in some kind of sport. As in Europe (in those days) there was only soccer….. and believe me there is no one is this world that is worse in soccer than me! I tried a variety of sports; gymnastics, judo but nothing could hold me very long. As I always was found of swimming I did join a swim team in a nearby village. That was it for me; after a couple of years of hard training I had all the club records! Went to swim national and international events. I got strong and muscular, swimming will do that to you!

At age 16, I joined the Marines. This was another proof for me that the mind is stronger than the body! If you really want to go for something you can do it! I traveled around the world with the Marines. Became a sports instructor – ski instructor and mountain leader! Even joined the special task force within the Marines (wooha). Yes and then there is a time to make decisions…… a choice between career in the Marines and family! I choose for my wife and future kids and left the Marines and started learning again; exercise physiology – biochemistry  - nutrition – sports nutrition and a whole lot more. Several coaching degrees in running, swimming, cycling, triathlon but also weight training etc etc.  

Worked full time for the department of justice for a couple of years but knew that I wanted to do something more with all my knowledge. Late 80ties I started my own company in sports coaching (together with a friend) called Stap (later Stapsport). During all that time I was active as a triathlete and raced around the world mainly in full Ironman races. Some were good and some were bad. Even raced pro for a couple of years. My job as a coach allowed me to do so ;-).

Still racing triathlon, just for fun, but I think it is important to stay active. I need the feel how hard/though it is climb an Alp or a time trial.