For van der Weken, every race is a chance to do something different, live her dream, and, most importantly, lead by example.
“The period of time you can be an athlete and live off your sport is so short,” she cautions. “Like, why waste the time to worry about, I don’t know, God knows what. You can study afterwards, you can work afterwards, but like, the time you can be an athlete, it’s so short. So I try to enjoy that.”
With the throttle wide open, and the handbrake ripped clean off the chassis, van der Weken continues to speed towards an uncertain destination, because in her mind, there’s nothing quite like the joy of racing and competing against the world’s best athletes.
“Every time I’m at a track meet, I’m like, ‘oh my god, this is a playground. I’m so happy to be here,’” she shares, joy oozing out of each and every word.
“I like competing way more than I like training,” she adds.
Still, it’s not all play and no work for van der Weken. There’s serious toil to be done in between races, even if trophies, medals and records aren’t the end goals she chases.
“I don’t really care about any timings in training or…I don’t know,” ponders the Olympian. “I just show up, do my work, try to have fun and be better.”
It’s an ethos that’s guided her all the way from her local track club to the Olympic Games.
“I think if you enjoy something, the results will come at some point. Maybe it takes some time, but that’s your own journey; it’s your own little wave, which you have to surf on and then at some point, it will certainly work out.”
Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have a few, dedicated cheerleaders in your corner, or rather, your lane, especially when you’re shouldering the hopes and expectations of an entire nation.
“I know that my parents will be my number one fans, my coach will always be there and be super happy that everything works out, so I know that it has some kind of impact on other people and that just is a nice feeling to have.”
Titles or not, van der Weken can rest assured knowing she’s made herself, her supporters and her nation proud.
“If I give my best, it’s the best that I can do. If that’s enough to be who I am today, that’s amazing.”