After an eight-year hiatus, Paralympic rower Esther van der Loos is back in action! The seasoned athlete, born in Assendelft, is rejoining the rowing scene to partner with Corné de Koning, who found himself without a teammate. Their common goal? The Paralympic Games in Paris. With just a month to go, they are gearing up for their first international competition.
In 2016, emotions ran high for Van der Loos in Rio de Janeiro when they secured the fourth spot. Tears weren't shed for narrowly missing bronze; it was the realization that this marked her farewell race as a top-tier athlete. Reflecting on that moment, she emphasizes, "It was truly a top performance for us."
Post-2016, Van der Loos remained active in paralympic rowing, taking on roles such as team manager, sparring partner, and reserve at major tournaments. Staying dedicated with six workouts per week, she might even be fitter now than in Rio. She admits with a smile, "On the road to the Games, I might have overdone it a bit, wanting it too much, putting too much strain on myself."
A true sports enthusiast, Van der Loos excelled in athletics, cycling, and ice skating at the national level before a 1999 ice skating accident led to a partial spinal cord injury. During her extensive rehabilitation, she discovered her newfound love for rowing. Despite being more prone to injuries due to her handicap, she compensates with technique for the physical strength she might lack.
The Paralympic journey began with Corné de Koning as her steadfast partner until 2016. While Van der Loos initially retired, De Koning continued, securing silver in Tokyo with Annika van der Meer. Chantal Haenen joined him for the Paris Games qualification, but doubts arose, leading to her removal from the boat. Enter Van der Loos: the only one who could step in, even though she hadn't been in competitive form for a while. Laughing, she says, "So, that last race in Rio wasn't my final race after all."
Last fall marked the reunion of De Koning and Van der Loos in the double scull. "The connection was instant," she recalls. "The first 500 meters took some adjustment, but after that, it felt like it had always been this way. When we're in the boat together, everything just clicks." Thanks to Coach Jan Klerks, their techniques harmonize seamlessly, promising a swift return to top form.
As they gear up for the Paralympics in Paris, Van der Loos remains cautious about discussing their chances. "I'm not competition-ready now; I need to build up to that. I shouldn't rush it, considering my susceptibility to injuries. I'll rely on my technique, as I always have."