1/3 Paulien Sweers European judo champion (photo: European Judo Union).
Paulien Sweers’ goal is clear: she wants to win a medal at the Olympic Games. The 22-year-old judoka from Nuenen knows what winning is, because last weekend she won the European title under 23 years. Her hunt for a place among the world’s top is tough, because she regularly faces judokas who weigh 150 or sometimes 200 kilos. “But you never have a chance. If you don’t have the weight, you have to use your strengths to win.”
After the European junior title in 2023, she was now the best up to 23 years old. After the win, tears of joy welled up in her eyes. “It went well all day and the semi-final was incredibly exciting. After my win, I called home and got pumped up for the final. That match was also so exciting, the relief was enormous when I won the title. A fantastic feeling, although I don’t even remember what exactly went through my mind.”
To reach the top, the nursing student trains many hours at her judo club in Echt, Limburg. She also does strength training four times a week and occasionally does strength exercises strongman. “I love the latter sport, it also brings aspects of judo to the fore.”
Nutrition also plays an important role in her career. “With the heavyweights it doesn’t matter how much you weigh, as long as it is above 78 kilos,” says the 1.72 meter tall Sweers. “I’m usually around 95 kilos, but after advice from heavyweights from other sports, I started eating a lot of carbohydrates the week before a competition. That preparation suits me well, because it allows me to store reserves in my body as best as possible.”
She recently started working with a sponsor who helps her with nutrition and the balance between work and rest. “A DNA test was done and we looked at what my body benefits from and what does not. You know, I can eat fast food because as a heavyweight it doesn’t matter how heavy you are. But I am fit and only consume good nutrients.”
“Those are weights you’re talking about.”
The Brabant woman does not want to become much heavier, because that would be at the expense of strengths such as explosiveness, speed and fitness. “Two years ago in the juniors, the heaviest judoka was 146 kilos, this time it was almost 200 kilos. Those are weights you talk about, but I can certainly win. I know what my strengths are and I want to strike with them.”
From a sporting point of view, she hopes to be the best heavyweight in the Netherlands among the seniors in the coming years and to win medals at international tournaments. “The first time at a Grand Prix I was so impressed that I lost immediately. The second and most recent time I finished fifth. I am confident that I will quickly conquer a podium place, because I see enormous growth in my development.”
Her main goal is the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. There she goes for a medal, although the competition is fierce. “In Paris 2024, the Netherlands failed to win a medal for the first time in forty years. This means that the level is increasing throughout the world. But if I have a goal, I will do everything to achieve it. It doesn’t matter how. By working hard and never giving up, I will ultimately get where I want to be.”
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