Born: 1985 (Rotterdam, Netherlands)
Biography:
Marhinde Verkerk, born on November 21, 1985, in Rotterdam, is a renowned Dutch judoka who competed in the 78 kg weight class. She has left an indelible mark on the world of judo, becoming a world champion and inspiring generations of athletes through her dedication and prowess on the mat.
Honing her skills under the guidance of her coach, Chris de Korte, Verkerk quickly rose through the ranks. She first made her mark at the national level, winning the Dutch championships in 2007 and 2008. Her success continued as she clinched the European championship in the under-23 category in 2006.
It was in her hometown of Rotterdam where Verkerk would etch her name in judo history. On August 29, 2009, she stood atop the podium as the newly crowned world champion. Her path to victory was arduous, defeating formidable opponents along the way, including Gyeong-Mi Jeong of South Korea, Alena Eiglova of the Czech Republic, Celine Lebrun of France, reigning European champion Esther San Miguel of Spain, and Marina Prisjepa of Ukraine in the final. This triumph served as a testament to Verkerk’s exceptional skill, determination, and ability to thrive under pressure.
Verkerk’s journey also led her to the grand stage of the London Games. Although she narrowly missed out on a bronze medal, finishing fifth, her presence at the Olympics showcased her stature as one of the top judokas in the world.
In June 2021, after years of intense competition and countless achievements, Marhinde Verkerk made the difficult decision to call an end to her judo career. With her unwavering dedication and love for the sport, Verkerk had become a prominent figure and an inspiration to aspiring athletes. However, she saw a new path ahead, as she had pursued art school alongside her judo career, becoming an accomplished interior architect. Verkerk now seeks to continue her social career in this field, bringing her creativity and passion to the world of design.
Throughout her career, Verkerk has not only made her mark in judo but has also been recognized with numerous awards and honors. Her outstanding performances earned her the gold medal at the European Championships in 2015 and the silver medal in 2014. She also clinched the silver medal at the World Championships in 2013 and the bronze medal at the European Championships in the same year.
In the 2012 London Olympics, Verkerk finished fifth, showcasing her prowess on the world stage once again. She also secured a bronze medal at the Grand Prix Düsseldorf and achieved a fifth-place finish at the World Championships in 2011. Verkerk’s success continued with silver medals at the Grand Prix Abu Dhabi and the Grand Prix Baku, as well as a bronze medal at the Grand Prix Düsseldorf in the same year.
Her achievements in 2010 include gold at the Women’s World Team Championships and silver at the European Championships. Verkerk’s medal collection expanded with bronze medals at the Grand Prix Düsseldorf and the Grand Prix Qingdao.
Verkerk’s career trajectory soared in 2009, as she clinched the gold medal at the World Championships. She continued to excel, securing the silver medal at the Grand Slam Paris and the bronze medal at the World Cup Sofia. Her exceptional performances earned her a nomination for Sportswoman of the Year in 2009 by the National Olympic Committee of the Netherlands.
In 2008, Verkerk stood atop the podium as the Dutch champion in the 78 kg weight class. That year, she also earned bronze medals at the World Cup Rotterdam and the World Cup Budapest, further solidifying her position among the world’s top judokas.
Marhinde Verkerk’s impact goes beyond the realm of judo. As a trailblazer in her field, she has inspired countless individuals, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of female athletes. Her journey as an athlete and an artist continues to unfold, leaving an enduring legacy in both the world of sports and design.
Awards:
– Gold, 78kg European Championships 2015
– Silver, 78kg European Championships 2014
– Silver, 78kg World Championships 2013
– Bronze, 78kg European Championships 2013
– 5th Place, 78kg London Olympics 2012
– 5th Place, 78kg European Championships 2012
– Bronze, 78kg Grand Prix Düsseldorf 2012
– 5th Place, 78kg World Championships 2011
– Silver, 78kg Grand Prix Abu Dhabi 2011
– Bronze, 78kg Grand Prix Baku 2011
– Bronze, 78kg Grand Prix Düsseldorf 2011
– Gold, Women’s World Team Championships 2010
– Silver, 78kg European Championships 2010
– Gold, 78kg Dutch Championships 2010
– Bronze, 78kg Grand Prix Düsseldorf 2010
– Bronze, 78kg Grand Prix Qingdao 2010
– Gold, 78kg World Championships 2009
– Silver, 78kg Grand Slam Paris 2009
– Bronze, 78kg World Cup Sofia 2009
– Nominated for Sportswoman of the Year 2009 (NOC*NSF)
– Gold, 78kg Dutch Championships 2008
– Bronze, 78kg World Cup Rotterdam 2008
– Bronze, 78kg World Cup Budapest 2008