Marlou van Rhijn

Marlou van Rhijn is a Dutch professional sprinter, born on October 22, 1991, in Monnickendam, Netherlands. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest Paralympians of all time. Van Rhijn started her professional career in athletics after losing both her legs as a child. Known as the 'Blade Babe', she has won numerous individual awards, including Paralympic gold medals, and holds multiple records, such as the fastest 100m and 200m sprints in her class.

Off the track, Van Rhijn is also recognized for her advocacy work for disabled sports and her influence, inspiring millions worldwide.

Early Career

• Youth and Early Career: Van Rhijn was born and raised in Monnickendam and started her career in athletics at a young age, despite her disability. She made her international debut in 2012.

Paralympic Success

• Early Success: Van Rhijn secured her first Paralympic medal, a silver, in the London 2012 Paralympic Games. She followed this up with a gold medal in the 200m sprint, setting a new world record in the process.

Continued Success

• Record-breaking Career: Over the next few years, Van Rhijn continued to break records and win medals. She set new world records in the 100m and 200m sprints and won gold medals in both events at the 2013 and 2014 IPC Athletics World Championships. She also won a gold medal in the 100m sprint at the Rio 2016 Paralympics.

Netherlands National Team

• Debut: Made her debut for the Netherlands in 2012.

Achievements:

• Paralympic Games: Winner in 2012 and 2016.
• IPC Athletics World Championships: Winner in 2013 and 2014.
• Van Rhijn holds world records in the 100m and 200m sprints in her class.

• Position: Primarily a sprinter, competing in the 100m and 200m events.
• Skills: Known for her incredible speed, strength, and determination. Van Rhijn is celebrated for her versatility and resilience.

• Philanthropy: Van Rhijn is involved in various charitable activities and has been an advocate for disabled sports, inspiring many around the world with her story.

• Marlou van Rhijn is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her determination and resilience in the face of adversity. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the track, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Fastest 100m and 200m in Her Class:

• World records in both events

Most Medals in Paralympic Sprint Events:

• Multiple gold medals in the 100m and 200m sprints

Books

• Unstoppable (2016): An autobiography by Marlou van Rhijn.

Websites

• Paralympic.org: Information about Marlou van Rhijn’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org
• World Para Athletics: Details about Van Rhijn’s career. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org/athletics

Articles

• ESPN: Marlou van Rhijn: The fastest woman on blades. Available at: https://www.espn.com
• The Guardian: Marlou van Rhijn's career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/marlou-van-rhijn

Interviews and Documentaries

• Blade Babe (2016): Directed by Maria Visser. This documentary provides a detailed look at Van Rhijn’s life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Marlou van Rhijn, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.espn.com