Sports is a passion that I love to share!
Horse riding, karate, later swimming, dance, rowing, as well as yoga, trekking and outdoor activities.... And although I still like some variety, in recent years I've mostly gotten into triathlon, cycling and open water swimming. In short, a lot of experience to share and we continue to work on that every day!
After studying criminology and pedagogy, I ended up in (forensic) welfare work. After years of counselling, the focus fell on activating clients as a movement agent.
Time for a new challenge:
A job as a personal coach is the perfect combination of a passion for sports and a career in coaching!
For me, a personalised approach is key. No busy group classes, no compromise: your schedule and your goals are in focus.
I graduated as a regent in physical education and exercise recreation. After my studies, I worked full-time in the sports and recreation sector. Despite the fact that over the years my jobs took on more of an administrative edge, I have always continued to play sport myself, remained very active in the outdoor sector and as a trainer within various clubs. In addition, I have continued my education (Higher Lifeguard certification) and training (Swim Smooth).
I love to teach athletes big and small sports, see them enjoy, grow and guide them in achieving goals.
The combination of my family, my administrative job, training and coaching athletes, gaining experience and learning every day and also being able to play sports myself is the perfect combination for me!
Let the water become your friend, you don't have to fight with it. Find yourself in the water and the water will help you move and progress!
I grew up in a water sports family: rowing, sailing, diving, swimming,.. Everything on, around and in the water was part of my upbringing. So water quickly became an important part of my life. During my studies, some sports were put on hold for a while and I concentrated on a few diplomas. For example, I obtained a bachelor's degree in medical imaging and a master's degree in management and policy in healthcare. Towards the end of my studies, the urge to go swimming again returned. I ended up back at my swimming club SOS and also became a trainer there. In the meantime, I have been a trainer there for more than 10 years, with their help I obtained my initiator in swimming and my lifeguard diploma.
In the meantime, I discovered the world of open water swimming and polar bear swimming myself. I had the honor to participate in the first Ultraswim 33.3 in Montenegro, 2 years later I finished the Ultraswim 33.3 in Croatia and in between I did 30km in the Western Sahara with Morocco Swim Trek. At the moment I am further exploring the world of ice swimming and I am planning to do one in the winter season of 25-26 icemile.
In Belgium I am co-organizer of the only ultraswim in Belgium and the swimming at our North Sea (Belgain Coast Swim/Ommeweg Swimming Club). I tested the route between Ostend and Nieuwpoort myself and swam against the full current for an hour in Westende. Teaching people, young and old, to swim is always a huge challenge for me, and I use the faces of these swimmers after swimming their goal as a source of energy for the next challenge.
Marieke Blomme
Isabelle Despeghel
Stephanie Smet
Stephanie Smet
