The games are in full swing. The first glory is already achieved, but for our kayaking sport, our Red Torpedoes, it starts in just over a week. Everyone is waiting in anticipation, curious about how our athletes will perform. The culmination of the past three years takes place in Vaires-sur-Marne, Paris. A location where we have raced and trained multiple times before, a place where the conditions hold no surprises for us anymore.

Vaires-sur-Marne is just under 400 km away. Looking back at the locations of the previous games, we could almost call it a home race. For this reason, many fellow Belgians will make their way to the Olympic stands. Dressed in Belgian colors, they will devote every decibel they have to our torpedoes what will make up for the audience-less games of three years ago.

Many might not understand, but I will be on vacation during this period. For many years I fought for the same goal, and after last year’s loss, the confrontation with the Olympic grounds is still too heavy for me personally. Together with Janna, I am heading to the mountains of Lombardy to enjoy nature and tranquility.

But that does not mean I am not supporting the Torpedoes, my friends. I will also feel the tension and excitement. . Over the past years, I have seen how they put their blood, sweat, and tears into this cycle day in and day out. The illnesses and injuries they have overcome, the goals and interim goals they have achieved. How strong en resilient they have become. For this alone, we can already be extremely proud of their achievements!

I have become convinced that our Torpedoes: Artuur, Lize and Hermien are stronger than ever and that if everything goes as planned, they will show it.

I can just say: “Believe in yourself. Believe in the work you did and believe in your strengths. Your moment is here. Your time is now!

Go Torpedoes, Go!