APELDOORN - The Dutch National Athletics Championships witnessed thrilling performances, with Douwe Amels clinching the indoor high jump title for the eleventh time. The 33-year-old Frisian athlete’s victory not only marks his eleventh indoor triumph but also brings his total national titles to 22, including eleven outdoor wins.
The atmosphere at Omnisport Apeldoorn was electric, as Amels faced fierce competition from Ridzerd Punt and Jin van der Lee, both of whom cleared the same height of 2.13 meters but needed more attempts than Amels. The reigning European indoor champion only required one jump to surpass the height, securing his victory once again. Despite not reaching the European qualifying mark of 2.30 meters, his rankings suggest he will still be able to defend his 2023 title at the upcoming championships.
Two years ago, Amels made history by becoming the first Dutchman to win European gold at the high jump, achieving the national record with a remarkable jump of 2.31 meters.
Meanwhile, shot put competitor Jorinde van Klinken from Assen finished second at the championships as Jessica Schilder took the title with her impressive throw of 20.19 meters. Van Klinken noted her best throw reached 17.35 meters, coming up short against Schilder, who threw consistently over 18 meters during the event. This was Schilder's sixth consecutive national title, confirming her prowess as one of the top athletes within Europe.
Reflecting on her competition, Van Klinken remarked, "We are European-level athletes, so Jessica winning can happen. She threw today’s best and I couldn't quite match up." The two athletes are gearing up for the European Indoor Championships, and Van Klinken expressed her determination to contend for a medal. "I’ll be aiming for a medal. It’s possible!"
The championships not only showcased the top Dutch talents but also set the stage for the European Indoor Championships, which will take place in two weeks at the same venue. With Amels and Van Klinken both eyeing podium finishes, the excitement is palpable as they prepare to compete against Europe’s finest.
The Dutch National Championships are becoming increasingly significant as spring approaches, with athletes fine-tuning their performances before international competitions. Observers and fans are watching closely to see if Amels can replicate his European success and whether Van Klinken can achieve her goal against the continental competition.