The Dutch and their love of Water sports: Swimming

How do the Dutch manage to win so many medals in water sports? Let’s take a closer look at swimming. In future blogs, we will focus on sailing and rowing.

Whether it’s swimming, sailing, water polo, or rowing, the Dutch excel in all these areas despite being a small country. With 20% of the Netherlands covered in water, it’s essential for Dutch people to know how to manage and enjoy these elements. They have mastered controlling and using water, turning it into a source of enjoyment and achievement.

Early Swimming Education

One reason for the Dutch proficiency in water sports is their early start in swimming. Swimming lessons are a crucial part of childhood in the Netherlands, with many children learning to swim from a very young age. The Dutch National Swimming Diploma program ensures that children are competent swimmers by the time they reach primary school age. This early foundation not only promotes safety but also builds a strong base for competitive swimming and other water-related activities.

Abundant Waterways and Lakes

The Netherlands is blessed with numerous lakes, rivers, and canals, providing ample opportunities for water sports. Sailing is particularly popular, with many sailing schools and clubs encouraging young people to take up the sport. Events like the Sneekweek, one of the largest inland water regattas in Europe, showcase the nation’s enthusiasm for sailing and help nurture future champions. Swimming is also popular, both indoors and outdoors.

Olympic Successes

The most successful Dutch Olympic swimmers to date are Pieter van den Hoogenband (7 medals) and Inge de Bruijn (8 medals). Both have won the most Olympic medals in Dutch swimming history. Pieter van den Hoogenband is currently serving as Chef d’équipe for Team NL at the Paris Olympics, while Olympic gold medalist Ranomi Kromowidjojo (2x gold in London 2012) was seen in Paris cheering for her favorite events from the stands.

The older generation will remember our first ‘butterfly queen,’ Ada Kok, a former Dutch swimmer who ranked among the world’s best in the butterfly stroke category during the 1960s. More recently, Inge de Bruijn won 3x gold at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and again in 2004 with gold, silver, and bronze.

The Dutch also excel in Open Water races for both men and women. In 2008, Maarten van der Weijden won the first Olympic gold medal in Open Water at the 10km race in Beijing. Gold followed again in 2016 for Ferry Weertman and Sharon van Rouwendaal. This year, Sharon van Rouwendaal is once again a favorite in the women’s category.

A Culture of Water Mastery

The Dutch have a unique relationship with water, stemming from centuries of living below sea level and managing their waterways. This has fostered a culture that not only respects water but also sees it as an arena for sport and recreation. From local canals to international competitions, the Dutch consistently demonstrate

their prowess and passion for water sports. In conclusion, the Dutch success in water sports can be attributed to their early swimming education, the abundance of waterways that promote sailing and other activities, and a deep-seated cultural connection to water. These elements combine to make the Netherlands a powerhouse in aquatic sports.