In a heartfelt episode of the popular Belgian television show Mijn eerste reis (My First Journey), Olympic boxer Oshin Derieuw opens up about her challenging past and the significant impact of a small Portuguese fishing village on her life. The show, which airs every Friday at 20:40 on VRT 1 and VRT MAX, features host Siska Schoeters guiding guests to meaningful destinations that have shaped their lives.
For Derieuw, the journey leads her back to Ericeira, a picturesque town located about 40 kilometers north of Lisbon, known as the surf capital of Portugal. This location holds a special place in her heart, as it was here that she first experienced the joy of a vacation at the age of 22. "Here I can catch my breath," she reflects, recalling her childhood when travel was a luxury she could not afford due to her family situation. "As a child, I never went on trips because of my home situation. That was tough," she admits.
Derieuw, now 37, is not only the first Belgian female boxer to compete in the Olympics but also a survivor of personal struggles that have shaped her into the fighter she is today. In this episode, she candidly discusses her difficult childhood and the breakdown of her marriage to Charlotte, which ended in 2024. "Sometimes you have to let go of things that no longer work," she shares, emphasizing the importance of both her and Charlotte's happiness. "I think we outgrew each other. I have no regrets about our marriage, though. We both tried everything to save it. But when you only see each other's flaws, it would be a shame for it to explode completely, so we decided to end it. The promise to always be there for each other, in good times and bad, is beautiful, but it's a promise we both broke. But to this day, there's no one I love more than her," she reflects.
Derieuw's story is not just one of love and loss; it also reveals the trauma she faced growing up. She recalls a disturbing incident involving her mother's ex-boyfriend, who violently confronted her when she stood up to him. "When I first contradicted him, he ran at me and grabbed my throat. Then he started hitting me with his fist," she recounts, highlighting the profound impact this violence had on her perception of the world and her mother. "I felt lost. And that left a mark on me for years."
This trauma led to Derieuw experiencing panic attacks and struggling to manage her emotions as a child. "I was very quiet as a child, but when the bucket was full, I exploded. As an 8-year-old, I sometimes wet myself out of anger. I couldn't control my emotions. Boxing helped me with that," she explains, revealing how the sport became a crucial outlet for her pent-up feelings.
As she revisits Ericeira, the town where she found solace and a sense of belonging, Derieuw reflects on how the place symbolizes her journey from a troubled past to a hopeful future. She acknowledges the role that boxing has played in her life, serving as both a therapeutic release and a path to success. "Boxing gave me strength and a way to channel my anger positively," she states.
The episode promises to be an emotional rollercoaster, offering viewers a glimpse into the life of an athlete who has faced adversity both in and out of the ring. As Derieuw navigates her memories of Ericeira, she not only honors her past but also looks forward to what lies ahead.
In addition to Derieuw's personal revelations, the show highlights the beauty of Ericeira, showcasing its stunning beaches and vibrant surf culture. The town, with its charming streets and welcoming atmosphere, serves as a backdrop for Derieuw's journey of self-discovery and healing.
As viewers tune in, they will witness not just a travel story but a profound narrative of resilience and growth. Derieuw's experiences resonate with many who have faced their own battles, making her journey relatable and inspiring.
In a world where stories of struggle often go unheard, Oshin Derieuw's appearance on Mijn eerste reis offers a refreshing perspective on overcoming adversity. Her journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of finding one's place in the world.
As the episode airs, it invites audiences to reflect on their own journeys and the places that have shaped them, encouraging a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences that define us all.