11. April 2003  
Niederlande  
Artistic Gymnastics

More money for Dutch gymnasts

Yuri van Gelder (NED)

After the remarkable international results of Yuri van Gelder (First on rings in Paris) and Jeffrey Wammes (JEC Patras 2002 and Obi-Cupwinner in Berlin) the Dutch gymnast will get more money on their way to the WC in Anaheim.
The Dutch will take part at the Worlds with a team and finish there within the first 18 teams. If they succeed, they will get two FIG-starting permits for the 2004 Olympics in Athens...
No top-class sport without any investment With todays financial conditions it is not possible to reach those objectives, because two years ago the budget for the men was almost reduced to a minimum.
The mens coaches and executive committee asked the Dutch Federation for more money so that they can take part in international competitions, training camps and for better training conditions. In this way the Dutch gymnasts will be able to prepare in peace and quiet on their job.
KNGU-Member of the Board Wil Uylenbroek says: “Our men will now have the chance to reach their goal. Never before in the last years we had so many talent as we have now. Therefore, a federation like the KNGU has to invest now”.
The Dutch NOC noticed the top results of the Dutch gymnasts. They also will support their gpal for Anaheim in a financial way.

Auf dem Sprung nach oben: Jeffrey Wammes

Should the Dutch gymnasts fulfil the FIG-standard for Athens, than they also will have to compete once again at the national qualification for the Olympics.
At this time Van Gelder and Wammes do have the best chanches for a starting permit at the 2004 Olympic. But also Epke Zonderland from Heerenveen is in good shape and also a big talent for the next years.
Van Gelder is a pure specialist in the rings; Epke Zonderland and Jeffrey Wammes do feel well in the all-around competition. The problem for national coach Rob Stout is that at this time also the numbers three and four of the Dutch team will have to show strong international results.
In the next weeks and months they still have a lot of work to do.