At 34 years old, he is certainly no longer a youngster, but Thomas Lucas would have preferred to postpone the forced retirement as a water polo international. In Amersfoort, the KNZB said goodbye to the ZV De Zaan player prior to the international match against Poland.
“A bit of a crazy feeling. Uncomfortable. Sweaty palms,” says Lucas about the moment of goodbye. He would rather have been in the bath, but national coach Harry van der Meer makes other choices: “Looking at the future, I have decided to continue selecting.”
“Annoying, but that’s part of top sport,” says Lucas about that decision. The national coach must choose the best team.” At his own club, the veteran continues as long as the coach can use him. And as long as the body allows it. “Next season we will play the European Cup and the aim is to become national champion.”
The book is closed with Orange and although he had to sacrifice a lot in his private life, Lucas looks back with satisfaction. “We had great tournaments, but it was always not quite. In Trieste in 2016 we were closest to reaching the Olympics, but we lost on penalties. It was always very special to play for the national team .”
Orange to EC
The Dutch water polo team had no trouble qualifying for the European Championship this weekend. Poland was put aside with no less than 29-5. Portugal (19-9) and Lithuania (24-2) were also defeated by large numbers,