USMS Pool All American Honors – 7 Individual
USMS Top Ten Achievements – 279 Individual, 54 Relay

I was born in Rotterdam in the Netherlands. After the war, my family moved to a small town in Meppel in the province of Drente also in the Netherlands. My father had started a leather making business and his company expanded to that town.

I learned to swim in the 4th grade, which was mandatory for everyone to receive a diploma in swimming and water safety. We were taught the breaststroke first. After receiving my swimming diploma, I continued to swim with friends in the pool and area lakes.

While commuting by train to college in another city, I happened to see a sign about a swim meet. I signed up, swam the 100 breaststroke and 100 backstroke and found that I liked competition. I did not belong to a swim team, but I continued to compete in a few more meets. After college I went into nursing and swam whenever I could.

My family is still in the Netherlands. At the age of 23 I came to the United States, curious about the country. I met my husband Chet on a blind date. We moved from Virginia to Alexandria, New Hampshire, and after many years of not swimming, I was able to rekindle my passion. After a couple of months, I was asked if I wanted to compete, and I said yes. It was a great experience – I enjoyed the camaraderie and the competition and swimming keeps me mentally and physically fit.

Over the years I have competed in many national and world competitions. I enjoy meeting people from all over the world and learning about their cultures. I have also competed in horse shows (jumping) and triathlons. In addition, I care for my horse, take hikes with my dog, Janna, go mountain biking, and enjoy oil painting.