January 2021 : Koen Metsemakers

Koen Metsemakers admits that he was addicted to rowing from when he picked up an oar as a university student. Last year, in the very short rowing season, Koen became a European Champion for the second time and added to his collection of tow World Championship titles as part of the dominating Dutch men’s quadruple sculls.

 World Rowing: You got to race at the 2020 European Rowing Championships, congratulations on winning gold, what was that like after so long without racing?
Koen Metsemakers: It felt great, we really missed the international competition. Although we compete with our teammates, nothings beats racing the world’s best rowers.

WR: What was the biggest change you had to make to your training in 2020 due to Covid-19?

KM: The Dutch government had implemented a lockdown and in the beginning our training locations were closed. The Dutch Rowing Federation provided us with the training equipment we needed but, of course, it was not ideal. Since then we have gradually moved back to our normal training routine, of course respecting all of the national and Rowing Federation Covid rules. Nowadays we can train relatively normal.

WR: Describe how your training works at present. What is your typical day like?
KM: In the morning endurance training in the single on the Amstel River and in the afternoon training at the Bosbaan in doubles or cycling. We usually don’t train in the quad until the end of February.

WR: Your men’s quadruple sculls has been on a winning streak since 2018, what do you think has helped in your consistent wins?
KM: Our entire sculling team trains in Amsterdam and is very competitive. The internal competition keeps us focused and motivated the outdo each other and ourselves. We all know that no one is guaranteed his spot in any boat, so that usually keeps the pressure on.

WR: What is your favorite rowing moment?
KM: Strangely enough it’s not a racing moment. I really enjoy going out on the Amstel early in the morning and seeing the sun rise over the misty fields outside Amsterdam.

WR: How did you first get into rowing?
KM: I started rowing when I was in college. A friend of mine suggested rowing to me. She also warned me not to get too involved because she feared I might find it addictive in a way. Obviously I didn’t listen very well.

WR: What inspired you to stick at the sport?
KM: I love being out on the water and feel the boat moving through the water and reacting to the crew. Feeling the speed and the joy when everything comes together makes all the training effort worthwhile.

WR: Outside of rowing what do you like to do?
KM: A few years ago I got my master’s degree in dentistry. I quickly discovered that I’m not the person who can focus exclusively on rowing, so I started medical school. Besides studying I like to cycle and mountain bike.

WR: Any favorite quotes from your coach?
KM: My coach once said during a training I looked like a St. Cuthbert’s duck. He didn’t give an explanation, and to this day neither I nor any of my teammates get the joke.