Although Fieke Willems turned 27 on the final day of last month's world gymnastics championships, the Dutch veteran told IG she feels more powerful than ever.

Fieke Willems (Netherlands)

"I'm physically and mentally stronger," said Willems, who competed on two events at the world championships in London. "I train once a day for 3-1/2 hours, but before it was five to six hours per day. I'm training smarter now. It's not just routine, routine, routine. Instead, it's more power-training and conditioning."

Willems initially retired from competition in early 2004, following a knee injury. She resumed training in April 2007. Four months later she placed 11th all-around and seventh on vault at the World University Games in Bangkok.

Willems is training under coach Frank Louter and choreographer Patrick Kiens at Pro Patria in Zoetermeer. Her former coaches included Boris Orlov and Esther Heijnen.

Willems, who is attending medical school, said international competition was not part of her original comeback plan. She expects to graduate medical school in December, and possibly specialize in sports medicine or orthopedics.

"At first, it was just for fun," she told IG in London. "It was going better and better, so I trained more and more seriously, and now I'm here."

Upon her return to training, Willems said she received a warm reception from the Dutch gymnastics community.

"Everyone was happy to see me again," said Willems, who earlier this year placed fourth on vault at the World Cup of Maribor and eighth on uneven bars at the World Cup of Moscow. "It was strange because I was 24 and I hadn't done gymnastics for a few years. Everyone was surprised."

Willems said she is encouraged by the presence of other female gymnasts in their 20s, including Dutch teammates Suzanne Harmes and Gabriella Wammes, both of whom returned to training after motherhood.

"I like that there are older gymnasts," Willems said. "Their gymnastics is more beautiful, and I think it's good for the sport."

International Gymnast Magazine Related Features:
"Wammes Returns to Gymnastics as Mom" - profile (October 2009)
"Comeback Complete" - Harmes profile (September 2007)
"Double Dutch" - Harmes profile (May 2005)

To subscribe to IG Magazine or order back issues, click here.

Comments (3)

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Bre said:

... Loved this story..Gymnastics is fun, and there are a lot of us "old people" that still enjoy training and competing...despite age or adversity..Fieke looks awesome..remember, more is not always better, when you get older,you do learn to train smarter..but that doesn't mean being a whimp! It means you know when to say when, and planning your training more carefully.. ask my 10 age group mates at the last 40 and over meet! Ihave always enjoyed the style and grace the "more mature" international athletes can display..(men or women!)

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November 02, 2009
Votes: +9

Ann said:

	Hope to see more gymnasts in their 20s competing too That is very inspiring. I don't think 27 is old and I get tired of hearing gymnasts who are 19 or 20 calling themselves old. Its ridiculous.
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November 03, 2009
Votes: +4

amy said:

	gymnastics I love this article! I gave gymnastics a 25 year break. I returned and can do so much more than I did in high school. It is a beautiful sport. Who says you can't learn a full in your 40's.
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November 04, 2009
Votes: +2

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