This summer The Netherlands’ Jorinde van Klinken not only became the European discus champion, but also took silver in the shot put just days earlier.
But here are 10 things you might not know about the Dutch woman…
Vegan diet
It’s well known that protein is essential for building strength, and as a thrower that will be a key part of van Klinken’s diet.
However, as a vegan she finds alternative protein sources to meat and is passionate about showing you can be an elite athlete while being vegan.
World silver unsponsored
In 2025 van Klinken won the silver medal with a throw of 67.50m at the world championships in Tokyo – her first world medal.
But she did so without any sponsors supporting, meaning she did it independently after graduating from college in 2023.
Highly educated
She earnt her Bachelor of Science while still in the Netherlands before moving to the United States for college.
She studied towards a Master of General Management at Arizona State University before also then studying at University of Oregon for a Masters in Business.
NCAA record holder
She had a glittering collegiate career as a student athlete including breaking the discus NCAA record with a mammoth throw of 70.22m in May 2021, which still stands as the record.
Van Klinken did also hold the NCAA indoor shot put record with her throw of 19.57m from February 2023, however this was broken earlier this year by Sweden’s Axelina Johansson who threw 19.75m.
Undefeated in college
Her success in college didn’t stop with breaking records, she also went undefeated in discus in collegiate competitions.
In her three years in the USA, she took the NCAA title in discus three times as well as placing second in the shot put twice.
Look good throw good
Each athlete has their own pre-competition routines or rituals, and for van Klinken that sometimes includes adding something special to her make up look.
At the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships she even donned glitter freckles for both the shot put and discus finals.
Go for double
There are few athletes who successfully continue to compete in both shot put and discus beyond their college careers due to the time needed to perfect each craft.
But for van Klinken, doing both events is key for her success as it keeps training interesting for her.
Quick thinker
After winning her gold in Birmingham 2026, van Klinken entered the GOAT shed where she spoke about many things, but also showed her quick thinking skills.
She put her multiple degrees to good use and aced the quick fire quiz in super speedy time.
Self-love advocate
As well as her athletic performances, van Klinken prides herself on showing self love throughout all aspects of her life.
She has shared about how growing up seeing strong women has positively impacted her life, and now she looks to be the same for other young girls.
Not a two-trip pony
It’s clear that van Klinken is really talented and successful in both discus and shotput, but she also has impressive PB’s in hammer throw and long jump.
Her best marks stand from when she was just 19-years-old and are 58.15m in hammer and 5.85m in long jump.