Dafne Schippers will make her appearance in the 100 meters at the FBK Games in Hengelo next month. The two-time world champion in the 200 meters is running one of her first competitions after having trained in the shelter for several months.
Schippers last came into action in August last year, during the Olympic Games in Tokyo. The Utrechtse grabbed there on both the 200 and the 4×100 meter relay in addition to the medals. She has struggled with her form all season.
In October it was announced that Schippers, who announced after the Games that something had to change and was taking a break, had broken up with her coach Bart Bennema. She now trains under Wigert Thunnissen.
“Together with a new team of strength trainers and Wigert, I have worked incredibly hard and in detail on my recovery to gradually regain competition fitness. We have made great strides,” said 29-year-old Schippers.
“I’m really looking forward to being back at the start in Hengelo. I have so many great memories of the FBK Games and it’s just nice to run in front of the home crowd again. That always gives me something extra.”
Bol and Duplantis are also coming to Hengelo
FBK Games director Ellen van Langen is happy with the capture of Schippers. “It’s been a while since the athletics world has seen her in action and I expect a very enthusiastic home crowd to see Dafne shine again.”
Schippers is not the only big name participating in the FBK Games. The participation of Femke Bol (400 meters hurdles) and world record holder pole vault Armand Duplantis was already announced earlier.
The FBK Games are on Monday 6 June in the FBK Stadium in Hengelo.