Marlene van Gansewinkel (born 11 March 1995) is a Dutch Paralympic athlete known for her outstanding performances in sprinting and long jump events. She has achieved remarkable success throughout her career, winning multiple medals at various prestigious competitions, including the Paralympic Games and World Para Athletics Championships.
Marlene van Gansewinkel was born without her lower left leg and lower left arm, but she never let her physical disability deter her from pursuing her dreams. From a young age, she displayed a passion and talent for sports, particularly athletics. Embracing her love for running and jumping, she began her journey in the world of para athletics, determined to prove her abilities and make a lasting impact.
Early in her career, Marlene competed as a T44-classified athlete. In 2014, she participated in the IPC Athletics European Championships held in Swansea, Wales, where she competed in the women’s 100 meters, 200 meters, and 400 meters T44 events. Although she narrowly missed winning a medal, finishing in fourth place in all three events, her performances demonstrated her potential and marked the beginning of her journey towards success.
The following year, Marlene represented the Netherlands at the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships in Doha, Qatar. It was in this highly competitive event that she showcased her abilities, winning the silver medal in the women’s long jump T44 event. This achievement not only solidified her status as a rising star in the para athletics world but also served as a stepping stone for her future accomplishments.
Marlene reached a significant milestone in her career when she competed in the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In the women’s long jump T44 event, she displayed her prowess and determination, securing the bronze medal. Additionally, she participated in the women’s 100 meters T44 event, finishing in seventh place. Her performance at the Paralympics reaffirmed her status as a top-tier athlete and opened doors for further success.
In 2018, Marlene faced a classification change in her field, transitioning to compete as a T64-classified athlete. This classification is specifically designed for athletes with a single below the knee amputation. Undeterred by the change, she showcased her adaptability and skill by winning the gold medals in both the women’s 100 meters and 200 meters T64 events at the 2018 World Para Athletics European Championships in Berlin, Germany. Notably, she set a new world record of 12.85 seconds in the 100 meters, leaving a lasting mark on the sport.
Continuing her impressive performances, Marlene won the silver medal in the women’s 100 meters T64 event and the silver medal in the women’s long jump T64 event at the World Para Athletics Championships held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in 2019. Despite facing a disqualification in the women’s 200 meters T64 event for running out of lane, she remained focused and determined to excel in her chosen disciplines.
In 2021, Marlene showcased her steely resolve and exceptional talent by securing the gold medal in both the women’s 100 meters T64 and 200 meters T64 events at the World Para Athletics European Championships held in Bydgoszcz, Poland. Additionally, she won the silver medal in the women’s 100 meters and women’s long jump T64 events, further underscoring her versatility and ability to perform at the highest level. During the long jump event, she achieved a new personal best of 5.82 meters, a testament to her constant drive for improvement.
Marlene van Gansewinkel’s remarkable achievements extended to the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan. Representing the Netherlands, she delivered a phenomenal performance, capturing the gold medal in both the women’s 100 meters T64 and 200 meters T64 events, solidifying her status as a Paralympic champion. Furthermore, she added the bronze medal in the women’s long jump T64 event to her ever-growing collection of accolades. Her outstanding success at the Paralympics ensured her place among the elite athletes in the history of para athletics.
Marlene van Gansewinkel’s unwavering determination, resilience, and talent have not only inspired others but have also made a significant impact on society’s perception of para athletics. Her accomplishments serve as a shining example of perseverance and the power of self-belief, encouraging individuals with disabilities to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Awards:
– Gold medal in the women’s 100 meters T64 event at the 2018 World Para Athletics European Championships.
– Gold medal in the women’s 200 meters T64 event at the 2018 World Para Athletics European Championships.
– Silver medal in the women’s long jump T44 event at the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships.
– Bronze medal in the women’s long jump T44 event at the 2016 Summer Paralympics.
– Gold medal in the women’s 100 meters T64 event at the 2020 Summer Paralympics.
– Gold medal in the women’s 200 meters T64 event at the 2020 Summer Paralympics.
– Bronze medal in the women’s long jump T64 event at the 2020 Summer Paralympics.