Runner Stan Niesten went to America for his studies and has made significant progress in this regard. An added bonus is that the master’s student of business administration at the University of Portland has made great strides in his development as an athlete. And that ‘thanks to’ corona.
In the United States, the sports world is dealing with the virus very differently. Competition is sacred there, empty stadiums are a phenomenon that they only know from Europe. “It is not the case that corona is denied,” says runner Niesten, back in Beverwijk. “But sport is simply sacred there. It cannot be compared with the culture in the Netherlands. Competitions must always continue in the US.”
And so he has an advantage over his Dutch colleagues, who cannot make planning and therefore lack structure and rhythm. “Bad for them, of course, but in America we don’t know this situation,” says the specialist on the five and ten kilometers.
Text continues below the video
Stan Niesten – NH News
Although his Dutch competition does not sleep (“They just train”), Stan Niesten (25) does have the advantage of being able to compete in the college championships with runners who are close to the world top. “The level is very high. That makes you stronger. And that while we don’t offer much in terms of size and budget. And yet we are doing very well. I myself suffered from minor injuries, but they are very satisfied with me .”
Last semester
He will return to the state of Oregon next week for his final semester. When he returns to the Netherlands, it is all about qualifying for the European Championship in Munich. “In the ten kilometers I have to run 28.15 minutes. That means I have to run fifteen seconds faster than my personal best. A challenging but realistic goal.”
In the longer term, Niesten sees a future in the marathon. “With my build and endurance, I should be suitable for that. And I take the speed of the five and ten kilometers with me. Maybe already this year, but I will probably make my debut in the marathon in 2023.”