The Netherlands has been disappointing in terms of swimming in the last editions of the Olympic Games. The Royal Dutch Swimming Federation (KNZB) wants to return to the golden years with many medals. An important step is to have as many top swimmers as possible train together in Eindhoven. Performance Strategist Top Swimming Jacco Verhaeren sets the bar high. “The 2000 Olympic Games were exceptional with eight swimming medals, but why couldn’t it be done again?”
The Dutch swimming tops previously trained in Eindhoven or Amsterdam, but the KNZB wants to center everything in the swimming capital of Eindhoven. “I have been to many places, but this top sports center is and will be one of the best in the world,” says Verhaeren, who is back in the Netherlands after adventures in Australia and France.
“The Pieter van den Hoogenband Swimming Stadium, the renovated 50-meter pool, the space for strength training, the medical facilities and the technological innovations make this a great place. There is a very professional team of trainers. There is good consultation with the swimmers in Amsterdam. The invitation is to come here, but they can decide for themselves where they can best develop.” Next year, the para- and synchronized swimmers will also train in Eindhoven.
After disappointing medal harvests at the last editions of the Olympic Games, the hunt for more medals has begun with a new head coach. Experienced Australian Peter Bishop started in early 2025 and signed a contract until 2028. He will work with, among others, national long-distance coach Marcel Wouda and trainer Patrick Pearson.
“Orange destroyed many an Australian dream.”
Bishop knows what it’s like to win medals. He was successful as a coach during the Paralympic Games and subsequently worked for many years with, among others, multiple Olympic medalist Kyle Chalmers. “I know the history of Dutch swimming. In 2000 I was a spectator when TeamNL destroyed many Australian dreams.”
“Swimming has become more global over the years. There is a great challenge, the Netherlands has a lot of talent. What struck me is how tall the swimmers are, I almost feel small. I will use the coming period to get to know the swimmers and trainers better and to discover their strengths and weaknesses.”
Bishop left his homeland at the beginning of this year with mixed feelings, because he was not allowed to coach during the Olympic Games due to an investigation into inappropriate behavior. That case was concluded to his satisfaction and the Australian only wants to think about swimming. “I don’t want to go too deep into the matter, but there came a time for me to reflect and learn.”
“It was the right time for a new step.”
“The longer I was away from the pool, the more I longed for it. There were opportunities to continue in Australia, but I wanted a new step. That opportunity abroad has existed before, but I am a family man. My children are now 25, 23 and 21 years old and I thought it was the right time to move.”
Top sport is mainly about performance, but Bishop wants there to be respect. “I expect athletes to want to get better, but they can show vulnerability. We want to create an environment where you can share your opinion without feeling fear. An important lesson I have learned is that I should not try to solve everything myself. If I don’t succeed, I let other people take responsibility.”
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