THE SPORT OF ROWING But either you’re persistent or you’re not.”6864 It was a long journey for her to the highest levels of international rowing. Van Eupen: “I started as a coxswain, but I had the feeling I could do this. Don’t ask me why, but I just had that feeling. I remember someone telling me to start sculling, and I said: ‘No, I want to be part of a team. I like doing sports with others.’ “When I got into the selection, I wormed my way from bow to stroke until I got to the place where I felt I belonged. I didn’t really insist on being stroke, but I thought it was best. I believed that we . . . or I . . . would be faster that way.”6865 In 1999, she came fourth in the lightweight women’s singles on Martindale Pond. The following year, she and her Nereus double-partner, Kirsten van der Kolk, placed sixth in the Sydney Olympics. Van Eupen: “After Sydney 2000, we (that is Kirsten, me and our coach, Josy Verdonkschot) set our goal for a medal in Athens, and we worked towards that goal for four years.”6866 Their progression was sixth in 2001, sixth again in 2002 and fifth in 2003. 2004 Olympics Dan Topolski, commentating the final at Schinias: “Few have the sort of experience they have, but they’ve had a really roller coaster season. “If you go back to last December, the pair of them crashed into a bridge. They both got injured, but they’ve recovered from that. “They’re the ‘nearly’ crew because so often they come with a late rush and just 6864 Qtd. by Rentmeester, de perfecte haal. 6865 Ibid. 6866 Athlete of the Month, www.worldrowing.com, January 2009 miss out. I just hope that they stay closer to the pace today.”6867 In their Olympic final, the Dutch Double crossed the 250 tied for last with defending Olympic Champion Romania, half a length behind the rest of the field. By 500 meters, they had sole possession of last place, open water behind the leading Germans, defending World Champion. At 750, they were back in contact, half a length behind the bunch, with Australia and Germany out ahead. The order at half way was Australia, Germany, Romania and Netherlands basically tied with China in fourth, close to two lengths behind the Aussies. In the third 500, Romania surged into the lead, a foot ahead of Australia, while Germany sagged to within half a length of the Dutch, who remained open water behind the leaders. In the next 250, Romania consolidated their lead as Germany and Netherlands held station and Australia hit the wall, faded away and ultimately ceded the Bronze to van Eupen and van der Kolk. Topolski: “Look at the delight of these two Dutch women, Marit van Eupen, 34 years of age, Kirsten van der Kolk, 28, arguably their last chance to get an Olympic medal, and it’s happened for them!”6868 A generation earlier, Topolski would have been correct. It would have been the last chance for these two women. But not in the 21st Century. Van Eupen: “I think it is almost impossible to compete at the highest level and not be a full-time athlete. With the amount of training required, having a job wouldn’t leave enough time for recovery, and recovery is as important as training. “I am a full-time athlete. Our National Olympic Committee grants a monthly 6867 FISA 2004 DVD commentary 6868 Ibid. 1910
