Riding the ice: Mees van Buren's journey to the Olympics with Gumption's support
That we believe in promising young starters is not a secret. Therefore, we decided to support seventeen-year-old Mees van Buren's ambitious plan: to qualify as a Dutch luge athlete for the Winter Olympics.
That we believe in promising young starters is not a secret. Therefore, we decided to support seventeen-year-old Mees van Buren's ambitious plan: to qualify as a Dutch luge athlete for the Winter Olympics. Mees has been diligently preparing for upcoming competitions in various locations across Europe. We called him for an update.
Having recently completed training in Oberhof, Germany, and Sigulda, Latvia, Mees is gearing up for the next phase of his preparation, which includes visits to Winterberg and Bludenz in Germany and Austria, respectively. The ultimate goal is to represent the Netherlands at the Winter Youth Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, in February 2024.
"It's been an incredible journey so far. The tracks differ so much, and each one throws a unique challenge at you," Mees shares, reflecting on his recent experiences. "Oberhof was particularly interesting. It's a new track for me, and the ice was a bit soft due to weather conditions. But challenges make us better, right? I've been working on being more relaxed on the sled. Sometimes, I get a bit too tied up. But my explosive start and aerodynamic positioning are my strong points. It's all about finding that balance."
Having recently completed training in Oberhof, Germany, and Sigulda, Latvia, Mees is gearing up for the next phase of his preparation, which includes visits to Winterberg and Bludenz in Germany and Austria, respectively. The ultimate goal is to represent the Netherlands at the Winter Youth Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, in February 2024.
"It's been an incredible journey so far. The tracks differ so much, and each one throws a unique challenge at you," Mees shares, reflecting on his recent experiences. "Oberhof was particularly interesting. It's a new track for me, and the ice was a bit soft due to weather conditions. But challenges make us better, right? I've been working on being more relaxed on the sled. Sometimes, I get a bit too tied up. But my explosive start and aerodynamic positioning are my strong points. It's all about finding that balance."
His next steps involve further training in Oberhof, competitions in Winterburg and Oberhof, and securing that crucial spot for the Netherlands in the top 19 countries. Mees remains realistic yet optimistic for the Olympics. "It's only my second year of training, and most competitors there will have six to eight years under their belts. But I'm aiming for the top 15, maybe the top 14, if the stars align. It's a challenge, but I'm up for it.”
Amid an intensive sport like luge, Mees sheds light on his off-season routine. "After a few days of training, you feel it. It takes a toll. When I'm back home, it's a mix of relaxing and keeping up my training.
His next steps involve further training in Oberhof, competitions in Winterburg and Oberhof, and securing that crucial spot for the Netherlands in the top 19 countries. Mees remains realistic yet optimistic for the Olympics. "It's only my second year of training, and most competitors there will have six to eight years under their belts. But I'm aiming for the top 15, maybe the top 14, if the stars align. It's a challenge, but I'm up for it.”
Amid an intensive sport like luge, Mees sheds light on his off-season routine. "After a few days of training, you feel it. It takes a toll. When I'm back home, it's a mix of relaxing and keeping up my training.
Gumption believes in my skills and talent, and that confidence means everything. It allows me to travel, train, and pursue this dream with everything I've got.
Navigating the delicate balance between sports and education, Mees emphasizes the importance of his school's supportive program. "Luckily, my school has this program for athletes competing at international levels. As long as I keep my grades up, they allow me to miss school when needed. It's a bit tricky with exams right now, but so far, so good." Mees shares his experience with his fellow students, "When I first told my classmates I’m going to be a luge athlete and try to make it to the Olympics, they thought it was a joke. They think it's cool, but they don't really understand the mechanics. I get a lot of 'good job' and laughs."
Navigating the delicate balance between sports and education, Mees emphasizes the importance of his school's supportive program. "Luckily, my school has this program for athletes competing at international levels. As long as I keep my grades up, they allow me to miss school when needed. It's a bit tricky with exams right now, but so far, so good." Mees shares his experience with his fellow students, "When I first told my classmates I’m going to be a luge athlete and try to make it to the Olympics, they thought it was a joke. They think it's cool, but they don't really understand the mechanics. I get a lot of 'good job' and laughs."
Amidst the challenges, Mees is grateful for Gumption's steadfast support. "I couldn't do this without them. Gumption believes in my skills and talent, and that confidence means everything. It allows me to travel, train, and pursue this dream with everything I've got."
As Mees looks ahead to the future, he gives a shoutout to Gumption, saying, "I want to thank Gumption for their continuous support. Looking forward to staying with Gumption and planning the next season. Let's make it happen."
Amidst the challenges, Mees is grateful for Gumption's steadfast support. "I couldn't do this without them. Gumption believes in my skills and talent, and that confidence means everything. It allows me to travel, train, and pursue this dream with everything I've got."
As Mees looks ahead to the future, he gives a shoutout to Gumption, saying, "I want to thank Gumption for their continuous support. Looking forward to staying with Gumption and planning the next season. Let's make it happen."