On the evening of December 18, 2024, at the NOC*NSF Sportgala held at Papendal, Harrie Lavreysen and Sifan Hassan were crowned as Sportman and Sportvrouw van het Jaar, respectively, marking significant milestones in Dutch sports history.
Lavreysen, the 27-year-old baanwielrenner, received the prestigious title following his remarkable performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he achieved the extraordinary feat of winning three gold medals: individually sprinting, keirin, and as part of the teamsprint.
Throughout the event, Lavreysen acknowledged the tough competition he faced, which included notable athletes like marathon runner Abdi Nageeye, accomplished cyclist Mathieu van der Poel, and Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen.
Lavreysen's wins at the Olympics, and subsequent victories at the European and World Championships, solidified his status as the most decorated Dutch Olympian, with five gold medals across two Olympic Games. "Ik heb alles bereikt waarvan ik droomde," Lavreysen stated during his acceptance speech. The moment was particularly significant for him as this was his fourth nomination for the award, yet the first time he clinched the honor.
On the other hand, Sifan Hassan, the 31-year-old long-distance runner, made history by being the first woman to compete and medal simultaneously at the marathon (gold) and the 5,000 and 10,000 meters (both bronzes) during the same Olympic Games. Her performance not only won her the title of Sportvrouw van het Jaar but also made her the first Dutch athlete to be named World Athlete of the Year earlier this month. "Ze moeten vooral niet bang zijn om het te proberen," Hassan said, encouraging young athletes to embrace challenges.
Jetze Plat, who won three gold medals at the Paralympics, was awarded the title of Parasportman of the Year. The 33-year-old triathlete and handbiker triumphed across various disciplines, showcasing resilience and excellence. Meanwhile, the Dutch 3x3 basketball team, led by Worthy de Jong, proudly accepted the award for Sportploeg van het Jaar after clinching volleyball gold at the Olympics.
The evening was not just about awards; it was about celebrating the pinnacle of achievement and the future of Dutch sports. The athletes shared their joy and aspirations, with Lavreysen emphasizing gratitude toward friends and family who supported him through his career. "Die heb je ook heel hard nodig," he remarked, acknowledging their significant role.
Overall, the 2024 Dutch Sports Awards represented more than just victories; they embodied the perseverance, hard work, and dedication of these athletes. The recognition they received serves to inspire the next generation of sports enthusiasts and highlights the bright future of Dutch athletics on the world stage.
