Two-time world champion Dutch sprinter Dafne Schippers, who has enjoyed a remarkable career in track and field, has announced her retirement at the age of 31.
Schippers, hailing from the Netherlands, embarked on a remarkable journey in her athletic career. Initially a heptathlete, she clinched a bronze medal at the 2013 world championships in Moscow at the age of 21.
However, she made a striking transformation into a dominant sprinter, securing consecutive world titles in the 200 meters. Her victories came first in Beijing in 2015 and then in London two years later. Additionally, she added to her accolades with a silver medal in the 100 meters at the Beijing worlds.
Due to her remarkable sprinting performances, she made a permanent transition to new events in 2014, a year highlighted by her gold medals in the 100m and 200m at the European Championships in Zürich.
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Fast forward two years to Amsterdam, where she not only defended her 100m title but also contributed to a gold medal in the sprint relay. Notably, her astounding 200m time of 21.63 seconds in Beijing remains unchallenged as a European record.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Schippers reflected on her decision, stating, “The race stops here.” She acknowledged that every athlete anticipates this moment, where their career becomes a cherished collection of memories and, hopefully, medals.
Notably, Schippers reached the pinnacle of her career at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, earning a silver medal in the 200 meters, finishing just behind the formidable Jamaican sprinter Elaine Thompson.
Unfortunately, Schippers encountered challenges with injuries following her two world titles, and despite her unwavering dedication, she never secured another major title.
In her parting words on Instagram, Schippers expressed her decision to transition her life away from the track, saying:
“Today, I have decided to take my life off track to pursue and embrace whatever comes next, but not without saying a massive thank you for all the endless support.”
Bart Bennema, her coach until 2016 and then again from 2018 as she aimed to regain her peak form after grappling with a series of injuries, expressed his thoughts. Unfortunately, a fractured vertebra suffered during training last year marked the end of her career.
Bennema remarked, “I know she gave her all and pushed herself to the limit to prolong her career. It’s regrettable that circumstances didn’t allow for a different kind of farewell, but I’m relieved she was able to make this decision. I take great pride in our accomplishments together. At times, I wonder if we could have approached things differently, but she can reflect on an illustrious career.”
