Freeke van Iersel has Down’s syndrome, but that does not mean that she will avoid a sporting challenge. The 19-year-old Helvoirtse runs 10 kilometers next Sunday during the Tilburg Ten Miles. She does that together with her father Domien (55), who is very proud of his daughter: “She fought hard for it for a year.”
The Van Iersel family is a child at home at Sportclub Prins Hendrik. Freeke initially ended up with the G-athletics at the Vught association, using a three-wheeled running frame in the beginning. It soon became apparent that she could participate in the regular group.
She trains on the athletics track three times a week. In addition to running, she does, among other things, jump, javelin throwing and shot put. In the last year, part of her training schedule was dominated by the 10 kilometers at the Tilburg ten Miles. Last year she was a spectator and then she said she wanted to participate in 2025. After a week of reflection, she decided to go for it with her father.
“It is a very big challenge for me. It doesn’t seem like a long distance, but it is. I just think of the first five kilometers and only then the next five.” Freeke hopes that her body cooperates during the trip through the Tilburg streets. “I sometimes stumble over my own foot, that can suddenly happen. It is therefore important that I am fully focusing on running. When I cross the finish line, all the tension falls away from me.”
“We had our dips, but we overcome them.”
Domien van Iersel is a fanatic runner and has been participating in the Tilburg ten Miles several times. This year he is at the start of the 10 kilometers: for the first time with his daughter. “When Freeke said last year that she wanted to register, I told us that we had to train hard for that. From then on we started doing that every Sunday morning. Whether it was cold or rained, we were always there.”
It was not a year that went without problems. “We have had our dips, but we have overcome them. I know how much strength it costs her, but she never thought about giving up. Her motivation is fine. We have recently been able to tap the 10 kilometers, we are ready for it. Freeke and I will successfully complete it.”
Along the course is a big fan club for Freeke and her father. “I have invited a lot of friends, family members and colleagues. It is an honor that they come to watch,” says Freeke. “I can’t imagine that there will soon be so many people on the side.” Before the finish she has one wish: “I really want to eat spareribs, I am looking forward to it. If we end the distance, we will certainly do that.”