Marlou van Rhijn
Marlou started her sports career with swimming up until the age of 18. She then switched to para athletics.
Marlou started her sports career with swimming up until the age of 18. She then switched to para athletics.
From water to land
Marlou was born with a fibula aplasia in both legs, which made it impossible to walk while growing up. At the age of five and at the age of 11, first her right leg, then her left leg were amputated, both below the knee.
She successfully started swimming and made it to the World Para Championships in 2006 in Durban, South Africa. She also set several national records in swimming.
In 2009, at the age of 18, she changed her sport and became a para athlete specialising in the 100 and 200 metres.
“The most important thing is to have fun! Think in possibilities, stay positive and enjoy what you do."
Impressed by audience support
Three years later she qualified for the 2012 Paralympic Games in London and won her first Paralympic gold and silver medal in the 100 and 200 metres. Four years after that, she won the gold medal in both of her events during the Paralympic Games in Rio.
”I had my first Paralympic Games in London with 80,000 people in the stadium. That was an amazing experience. The feeling of support was indescribable. I can’t wait to compete in Tokyo where I’ll get to defend my title.”
Key facts
Nation: Netherlands
Year of birth: 1991
Sport: Para Athletics – 100 m, 200 m
Classification: T62
Coach: Paul Wernert
Club: NEA Volharding
Victories and achievements
Rio 2016 Paralympic Games:
Gold medal in the 100 metres
Gold medal in the 200 metres
London 2012 Paralympic Games:
Silver medal in the 100 metres
Gold medal in the 200 metres
World Para Athletics Championships London 2017:
Silver medal in the 100 metres
Gold medal in the 200 metres
World Para Athletics Championships Lyon 2013 and Doha 2015:
Gold medal in the 100 metres
Gold medal in the 200 metres
European Para Athletics Championships Stadskanaal 2012 and Swansea 2014:
Gold medal in the 100 metres
Gold medal in the 200 metres