This website uses cookies. By continuing to use our site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
For more details about cookies and how to manage them see our privacy policy.
Michel Bletterman sails away from gymnastics
March 24, 2020News
Dutchman Michel Bletterman has decided to retire from gymnastics. The 28-year-old thinks it is time to take a new path. One that literally starts at "sea": Bletterman starts with the training to become ‘Sailor Inland Shipping’. As part of the training, he will soon board a ship that will sail through the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Luxemburg, among others.
Bletterman decided to retire after the 2019 World Championships and take a different path:
At Worlds we failed to get an Olympic team ticket. Shortly afterwards I thought, what am I supposed to do now? Do I want to continue, or is it okay? At first I continued, but I noticed that I was no longer extremely motivated. During my career I have been able to experience a lot, from various European and World Championships to the Olympic Test Event in 2016. The only thing that was missing were the Games. That was my only dream still. But I didn't feel like continuing for another four years, hoping to make it to the Games.
Bletterman was a permanent member of the Dutch selection for years. In 2010 he made his senior debut at the World Championships in Rotterdam and since then he has competed at the Worlds in 2011, 2014 and 2019. In 2015 and 2018 he was named reserve. Bletterman also came into action during the European Championships in 2013, 2017 and 2019.
In all those years I have been able to learn a lot and we have improved enormously with the Dutch men's team. My career was one with ups and downs. I had a lot of injuries and was often a reserve, but I am very happy with everything I have achieved. I see the Olympic Test Event and my participation in the various European and World Championships as the highlight.
Bletterman is now ready for a new step in his life.
I will definitely miss gymnastics, but it is good that way. For me it is time for something new. I start again at the bottom of the ladder. Step by step I hope to achieve something more. From sailor to skipper to captain. It will take some getting used to and a whole different world, but I'm really looking forward to it.
All the best Michel! Thanks to Dutch Gymnastics for the interview!
Related news
Our Partners
