Champion parents

Top athletes are often in the picture with their successes and their dramas. Their parents usually are not. Does their talent come from them? How athletic were they raised? How did they guide their children, what role did sports play in the family, and how did they experience the peaks and troughs in their child's sports career? Harmke van der Werf looks back extensively with the parents of seven great champions. We hear the stories, we see the emotions, we feel the pride, the disbelief, the worries and sometimes the sadness. CHAMPIONSHIP PARENTS offers a unique insight into the lives of top athletes. 'It's special to read my parents' story, how they experience things from the other side. It's so special that my family really sympathizes with me and that they are proud of who I am, not of how well I can skate. That is worth gold to me.' IREEN WÜST 'Since you have to start at a young age as an athlete to reach the top, your parents have a great influence on your career. This book beautifully delves into the background of the parents and the important role they played in the success of their child.' EPKE ZONDERLAND 'I still get goose bumps when I look back at it or talk about it. I thought at the time: this can't be, this isn't reality. Everyone was there and jumped on my neck. Unbelievable!' ASTRID VAN DEN HOOGENBAND-VERVER 'A fascinating book, based on the astonishing input of warm parents. Read it!' PIETER WINSEMIUS