Dutch Athletics Team

Thijmen Kupers800 metersPlace/Date of birth: Doetinchem, October 4, 1991Residence: GroningenClub:Groningen Atletiek; Team4MijlCoach:Eddy KiemelProfession: Student (Groningen University)Sponsors: Craft, Herzog, ,Runnersworld Groningen,Primaverareizen, AA-DrinkSupport:4 Mijl van GroningenPERSONAL BEST800 meters: 1:45.28, Amsterdam, August 2, 2015PROGRESSION800 meters2011 1:50.32012 1:46.462013 1:47.152014 1:45.682015 1.45.28NATIONAL TITLESOutdoor (3): 800m (2013-2015)Indoor (4): 800m (2012, 2013-2015)INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPSOutdoor2012: EC Helsinki (Fin), 800m: Semi-finals(1:50.37; heats: 1:47.69)2013: EC U23 Tampere (Fin), 800m: 6 th(1:47.15; heats: 1:48.39)2013: EC U23 Tampere (Fin), 4x400m: 7 th(3:07.47; heats 3:07.27)2014: EC Zürich (Sui), 800m: heats (1:49.69)Indoor2013: EC Gothenburg (Swe): Semi-finals(1:50.29; heats 1:50.78)2014: WC Sopot (Pol): 5 th (1:47.74, heats 1:46.55)2015: EC Prague (Cze): Bronze medal(1:47.25, semi-final 1:47.34, heats 1:48.19)AT THESE CHAMPIONSHIPSSaturday, Aug. 22 11:50 Round 1Sunday, Aug. 23 20:15 Semi-FinalsTuesday, Aug. 25 20:55 FinalGoal for Beijing: I would want to say no less than amedal, but that would be unrealistic and that's notme. I want to make it to the semi-finals and bring myA game there.Goal for Olympic Games 2016 in Rio: It's kind oflike a World Championship but then only once in 4years. So again, getting in the semi-finals would bemy first focus.Ultimate Goal in Athletics: An international goldmedal.My greatest performance(s) ever: Probably theEuropean indoor championships in Prague. Thewhole tournament I could give my best and gotrewarded my first international medal!Best athlete in my event(s) ever: Bram Som hasbeen an inspiration when I was just starting athleticsat Atletico '73, and he has both national records inthe 800m.About performing in the Beijing Birds Nest: It isso cool to be competing in the stadium that everyoneremembers from 2008 Olympics. The stadium inLondon is cool as well, but not as special as the BirdsNest.Favourite food: I love a nice steak!19