Sharon van Rouwendaal
Meet Sharon van Rouwendaal: The Champion Swimmer
Sharon van Rouwendaal is an acclaimed Dutch swimmer who has made waves in the world of swimming with her remarkable achievements and talent. Born on September 9, 1993, Sharon rose to prominence as an Olympic gold medalist in the 10 km open water marathon at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, and continued her success by achieving another gold medal at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Early Life and Career
Sharon's journey in swimming began in Soest, where she spent her formative years before relocating to France with her parents. She demonstrated her commitment to the sport by moving to Eindhoven in 2009. Notably, she later transitioned to being coached for 2 years by Jacco Verhaeren and eventually found her way to training under Philippe Lucas in Narbonne for 7 years - a testament to her dedication to honing her skills.
Success in Competition
Sharon is celebrated for her versatility, focusing predominantly on distance freestyle events. In a country renowned for producing sprinters, Sharon stands out as the sole elite distance swimmer. Her accomplishments include securing multiple medals at European and world championships, showcasing her proficiency in both open water and pool events.
Triumphs in Championships
In her junior career, Sharon clinched four medals in middle- and long-distance freestyle events at the 2008 European Junior Championships, including a gold medal in the 1500-meter event, setting a Dutch senior record. Her success continued, with a gold medal at the 2009 European Junior Championships in Prague in the 400-meter freestyle.
Transitioning to senior competitions, Sharon marked her international breakthrough at the 2010 European Short Course Championships by securing two silver medals in the 100m and 200m backstroke events. Her prowess in the 200m backstroke was further highlighted at the 2011 World Aquatics Championships in Shanghai, where she clinched the bronze medal.
Highlights of Sharon van Rouwendaal's impressive swimming career:
Competing for the Netherland’s, Sharon has had an amazing career in the open water as well as the pool!
🥇 2024 Paris Olympics
🥇🥇 2024 World Championships, Doha (10km and 5km)
🥈 2023 World Championships, Fukuoka (5km)
🥇🥉 2022 World Championships, Budapest (10km and 25km)
🥈 2021 Tokyo Olympics (10km)
🥇🥇 2021 European Championships, Budapest (5km and 10km)
🥇🥇🥇🥈 2018 European Championships, Glasgow (5km, 10km, 5km Relay, and 25km)
🥈 2017 World Championships, Budapest (25km)
🥇 2016 Rio Olympics (10km)
🥉 2016 European Championships, Hoorn (5km)
🥉 2015 Netanja European Short Course Championships (800m Freestyle)
🥈🥈🥈 2015 Kazan World Championships (10km, 5km Relay, and 400m Freestyle)
🥇🥈🥉 2014 World Short Course Championships, Doha (4x200m World Record, 400m, and 800m Freestyle)
🥇🥇🥈🥈 2014 European Championships, Berlin (10km, 5km Relay, 5km, 400m Freestyle)
🥉 2013 Herning European Short Course Championships (800m Freestyle)
2012 London Olympics (4x100 Medley Relay 6th and 200m Backstroke 11th)
🥉 2011 Shanghai World Championships (200m Backstroke)
🥈🥈 2010 European Short Course Championships (100 and 200m Backstroke)
🥇🥉 2009 European Junior Championships, Prague (400 and 200m Freestyle)
🥇🥈🥈🥈 2008 European Junior Championships, Belgrade (1500, 200, 400, 800m Freestyle)
Sharon van Rouwendaal has consistently excelled in both pool and open water events, making her one of the most versatile and accomplished swimmers in recent years.
Gear up for an exclusive opportunity to learn from Sharon van Rouwendaal. Sharon will be travelling around South Africa offering swim clinics.
Be taught by Sharon - only 15 spots available per clinic.
Book your Clinic with Sharon and learn her secrets that bring real results!
Book your 2hr30min Clinic Today and become a smarter swimmer.
