Jorina Baars (33) from Den Helder is seven years old when she does a kickboxing training for the first time. She likes this so much that she takes lessons and participates in competitions. De Helderse has talent and does not give up. She wins Dutch, European, and world titles and is now preparing for the world championship on June 18 in Groningen.
For three months now, Baars has been fully focused on next Saturday’s game. For this she trains on average about ten times a week with different trainers. She takes on a kickboxer from England. “I think it will be a very tough match,” says Jorina. Her opponent is a lot smaller than the 1.82 meter long Jorina, but has many qualities. “She is very strong,” said Baars.
Together with trainer Hassan Ait Bassou, Jorina still trains in her own gym in Den Helder. More than a week before the competition, he is more than satisfied with her training performance. “She’s ready,” Hassan says. The two have been working together for years.
Text continues below the video.
Tension
Although you would think that as a top athlete you are always quite nervous for a world championship, Jorina is never bothered by that. “To me it feels like I’m going shopping,” she jokes. But that can also sometimes work against her, if she has to find the focus when the match starts. “But luckily I have my trainers for that, who know exactly how to turn me on.”