Reggeborgh Foundation welcomes para-athlete Zara Temmink

Zara Temmink (20) was born with a progressive eye disease. ‘Until I was twelve, it remained fairly stable. I was visually impaired, but lived almost without limitations.’ Now her vision is limited to about 15 to 20 percent and she also has a limited field of vision. The para-athlete competes in the T13 class for people with visual impairments. ‘When I'm running, I can see the lines next to me. I only see the finish line at the very last moment when I'm almost there,’ says Temmink, who can expend all her energy in running. ‘It makes me feel strong and confident.’

At a talent day for Paralympic athletes in Papendal, the Doetinchem native was scouted for athletics. ‘It was immediately clear that I am a sprinter.’ She started training at the club in Doetinchem and after two years was asked to come and train full-time at Papendal. Her highlight so far? ‘That would be the Paralympic Games in Paris. It's truly the most special thing I've experienced so far,’ says the sprinter, who finished tenth in the 100 metres in Paris.

She has already qualified for that distance for the World Championships in Delhi. She will now also try to secure a World Championships ticket for the 200 metres. ‘Ultimately, I hope to be at the Los Angeles Games in three years' time and deliver my best performance there.’

Inge Wessels of Reggeborgh Foundation is proud that Temmink is joining the family of athletes. ‘After our meeting at Papendal and her race during the FBK Games, we were very enthusiastic about Zara. She is already competing at the absolute top level worldwide, which underlines her potential. That is why we are happy to support her in taking the next step in her career.’