The step from “I’m allowed to play again” to actually competing in a tournament may seem small, but it’s anything but. My body needs to handle the intensity again. That takes time and careful rebuilding. My body has changed, so my wheelchair needs to be adjusted (it’s almost ready, luckily). In the meantime, I’m working on rhythm, structure, and training both body and mind. Because being mentally ready for pressure on court is just as important. So many small steps, ones that may look minor from the outside, but in reality, are anything but.

Where I finished in orange in Paris, I made my return at the World Team Cup. Proudly competing under the Dutch flag, surrounded by a supportive team. Since then, I’ve played a few more tournaments. And slowly but surely, I’m starting to feel it again, how it works, how it feels. But with a different perspective than before.

The search for adjustments is ongoing. But by now, I’m certain: this is the path I’ve chosen consciously. I’m searching, I’m pushing, but I’m also trying to see things differently, to experience it all in a new way, and to learn from what’s been.

TEAMNL followed me closely. In part 3 of the documentary, I share my journey back, the doubts, the steps, the growth. No filters, no polish, just the real story. Watch part 3 of the documentary now.

A heartfelt thank you to TEAMNL for the beautiful series Comeback Loading. I look back with pride on how I’ve approached this period and I’m grateful for how honestly and openly it’s been portrayed.

Source: Linkedin Diede

After the Paralympic Games, I underwent major surgery. And then… everything came to a halt. No tennis, no routine, no coach, no tournaments. But what I got in return turned out to be valuable, too. I had to slow down, to recover, to reflect. To enjoy life beyond the tennis court and the high-performance bubble, even take a proper holiday. And then, that familiar feeling returned… I wanted to get back on court. The best part? I was finally cleared by the doctors to start again. But with that desire came new uncertainties. How do I approach this? Who can guide me on court? How will people view my comeback? It became a journey, one that’s still unfolding.

TeamNL followed me closely. In part 2 of the documentary, I share my road back, the doubts, and everything you don’t usually see. No filters, no polish, just the real story.  Watch part 2 of the documantary now 

Source: LinkedIn Diede

In recent years, I’ve experienced career highs I could only dream of as an athlete. But even during those golden moments, injuries and mental challenges were never far away.
The lead-up to the Paralympic Games in Paris became my toughest test yet. Physically and mentally, I had to face the reality: something had to change. And here I am now, ten months later. How do you rebuild as an elite athlete from zero back to one hundred percent? That process is still ongoing.

TEAMNL followed me closely. In part 1 of the documentary, I share my journey, doubts, and behind-the-scenes struggles with honesty and vulnerability. No filters, no polish, just the real story. Watch part 1 of the documentary now.

Foto: Carolien Visser