Sabine Hagedoren, the beloved VRT weather presenter, is taking on new challenges as she steps outside the familiar confines of her long-standing role. For nearly 32 years, Hagedoren has captivated audiences with her daily weather forecasts, but now she is embracing something different: the reality program 'Kung Fu Helden,' where she trains in Shaolin kung fu at a monastery in South Korea.
Hagedoren's foray onto the Kung Fu stage is unprecedented, marking a distinct shift from her known persona. "This opportunity came at the perfect time, considering my children are now older and can manage on their own," she shared, stating her excitement for the new experiences ahead. But make no mistake, she clarifies, she remains committed to her main job. "I have no intention of giving up my role as a weatherman just yet," she asserts. "Every day at work is unique and fascinating, and I genuinely look forward to it—it's definitely not routine for me!"
Fans of the seasoned presenter need not worry about her weather reports; they are still very much part of her life. Hagedoren’s new adventure has opened some doors to self-discovery and personal strength as she steps outside her comfort zone.
The shift is multifaceted, and during the first episode of 'Kung Fu Helden,' viewers got to witness the raw side of Hagedoren. The adjustment to the rigorous training was tough. She recounted, "On the first night, I spent hours overwhelmed, struggling with heat and sickness, and woke up with splitting headaches. But each day brought improvement, and soon, I was seeing progress."
Training consisted of intense Shaolin exercises alongside notable masters, who pushed her physical limits. "I was genuinely impressed by the stamina and control of the masters. They can plank for hours! Meanwhile, I was trying to keep up and felt like I was just flailing my arms. I asked for help from fellow contestant Nora Monsecour, who guided me through the challenges," she admits. Hagedoren realized the value of asking for help, fostering connections during the physical trials.
Her experience at the temple goes beyond physical exertion, delving deep emotionally and mentally. "The experience has been like emotional therapy for me," Hagedoren reflects, as she continues to navigate the loss of her husband, Jurgen, who passed away nine years ago. The challenge pushed her to confront issues she had been trying to process and embrace the reality of life without him.
When faced with heavy emotions, Hagedoren learns to move forward, reminding herself, "Shit happens; keep moving." Keeping the past at arm's length, she articulates the necessity of remembering moments of happiness and sadness alike but emphasizes not getting locked inside those past experiences.
"Grief is not something you can simply shake off. My children were young when Jurgen passed away, and I had to keep pushing forward for them. Resilience became more than just survival; it was about establishing the foundation they could rely on," Hagedoren explained. Breaking the silence around loss is pivotal for her; she often revisits cherished memories with her children during poignant moments, preserving her husband's legacy.
Hagedoren and her new partner, Sam Pauwels, have navigated relationships gently post-loss. Both met years ago within the confines of VRT but only connected romantically when they were both single. “It’s been about six years now, and we still take it slow and steady. It’s about enjoying this phase of life together,” she smiles.
This fresh chapter also allows Hagedoren to balance her professional life with her personal growth. Reducing the responsibility of caring for younger children has opened space for new opportunities. She engages with projects like the recent 'Kung Fu Helden', which resonates with her on various levels.
“A few years back, I would have turned this down,” she admitted, chuckling at the confidence the passage of time has granted her. “But now, I feel equipped to take on anything. My children have grown, and I know they are capable of handling things on their own with ease.”
Despite this career shift, she has clarified, “I won’t return to programs I’m not passionate about. I turned down offers for 'Celebrity MasterChef' because I know cooking isn't my forte.” But the rigorous training and introspection within 'Kung Fu Helden' intrigue her immensely, offering her the chance to conquer challenges she never thought she would.
Hagedoren recalls her chaotic mind, comparing it to juggling multiple balls at once. "Each thought bounces everywhere, and at times, it’s overwhelming. This trip has grounded me," she claims, describing how the experience instilled discipline and boosted her physical health and meditation practices. The road to self-discipline has also seen her introducing simple organization methods to manage the whirl of daily tasks.
Further reflecting on personal growth, she embraces unexpected changes, enthusiastic about how each progressive step forward cultivates the woman she is becoming. With her humor intact, Hagedoren describes adjustments, noting, “If I don’t see to my tasks systematically, chaos ensues—much like the newly-found freedom to tackle my interests!”
Now, as she continues to engage with the weather and keep her audience informed, she embodies resilience and the beauty of change, encouraging viewers to be open to new experiences. Her audience will have the opportunity to witness this transformation come to life as 'Kung Fu Helden' premieres soon. Whether she is reporting on cloudy skies or getting kicked around on the training mats, Hagedoren remains unapologetically herself, ready for whatever the future holds.