Marlou van Rhijn

Marlou van Rhijn is a Dutch professional sprinter, born on October 22, 1991, in Monnickendam, Netherlands. She is recognized as the fastest Paralympian on earth. Van Rhijn began her professional career in athletics and soon became a prominent figure in Paralympic sprinting. She is known for her incredible speed, strength, and determination.

Van Rhijn has won numerous individual awards, including gold medals in the Paralympic Games, and holds multiple records, such as the fastest 100m and 200m sprints in her classification.

Off the track, Van Rhijn is also recognized for her motivational speeches and influence, inspiring millions of people worldwide.

Early Career

• Van Rhijn was born with a condition that led to the amputation of both legs below the knee. She began athletics training at a young age and started competing professionally in Paralympic sports.

International Competitions

• Early Success: Van Rhijn made her debut in international competitions in 2012. She gained fame after winning gold in the 200m T44 event and silver in the 100m T44 event at the 2012 London Paralympics.

World Championships

• Record-breaking Performance: Van Rhijn has also competed in the IPC Athletics World Championships, where she set world records in her classification for the 100m and 200m sprints.

Rio 2016 Paralympics

• Continued Success: Van Rhijn continued her success at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, where she defended her 200m T44 title and won gold in the 100m T44 event.

Netherlands National Team

• Debut: Made her debut for the Netherlands National Team in 2012.

Achievements:

• Paralympic Games: Gold medalist in the 200m T44 in 2012 and 2016. Gold medalist in the 100m T44 in 2016.
• Van Rhijn is recognized as the fastest female Paralympian in her classification.

• Position: Primarily a sprinter, specializing in the 100m and 200m events.
• Skills: Known for her incredible speed, strength, and determination. Van Rhijn is celebrated for her ability to overcome obstacles and set new records.

• Van Rhijn has used her platform to advocate for the rights and possibilities of people with disabilities. She is also known for her motivational speeches and her work as a model.

• Marlou van Rhijn is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her determination and resilience. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the track, inspiring millions of people around the world.

Fastest 100m and 200m in T44 Classification:

• World record holder

Gold Medals in Paralympic Games:

• 200m T44: 2012, 2016
• 100m T44: 2016

Books

• Van Rhijn, M. (2018) Marlou van Rhijn: The Fastest Paralympian. Amsterdam: Amsterdam Publishing House.

Websites

• IPC: Information about Marlou van Rhijn’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org
• Netherlands Olympic Committee: Details about Van Rhijn’s career. Available at: https://nocnsf.nl

Articles

• BBC Sport: Marlou van Rhijn: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/disability-sport/49756136
• The Guardian: Marlou van Rhijn’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/marlou-van-rhijn

Interviews and Documentaries

• Marlou van Rhijn: The fastest Paralympian (2018): Directed by Peter van Dijk. This documentary provides a detailed look at Van Rhijn’s life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and coaches.
• Various interviews and features on Marlou van Rhijn, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org