NN
You hold the current national record in the high jump with 1.94m. What emotions do you hold on creating this benchmark?
NB
You know, it’s not really about those records for me. I am not the tallest athlete, so I never even really thought I had it in me to jump those heights. But I am focussed on always improving myself, and as a result sometimes, by accident I break a record.
Records are quite abstract things. But if I think about how much higher than my own height I can jump, that’s when it comes to life for me.
NN
You have proved your merit by becoming the 2014 World Indoor Champion. What helped you stay focused & determined during the event?
NB
I was more than ready for that competition. The weeks going into Worlds were already promising, so I was feeling quite calm and confident.
In fact I did not allow myself to think about gold. It’s probably never a good thing to think about the result. I just focussed on my technical cues for the next event, the next jump, the next throw. Even in the 800 I thought: ‘Stay in your lane, don’t step on the line, run your own race, save energy for a strong finish lap.’
I think this is great overall advice: focus on your task, not on the outcome.
NN
What do you have for breakfast? How do you keep yourself fuelled during training sessions? 5 favourite deserts you love to feast on?
NB
Eating in the morning is something I really have to make myself do. My breakfast consists of three pieces of fruit, soy milk, chia seed, oats and cinnamon, which I blend into a smoothie.
Actually the individual sessions that I do are not that long, so I don’t really eat during sessions. I prefer to sit down after practice for a regular lunch. I do drink a lot (isotone sports drink) and immediately after really hard sessions I refuel with a protein shake.
I love coffee and whipped cream, so for dessert I’ll usually have a cappuccino or Irish coffee. Maybe strawberries and cream. Also, I really like doughnuts.
Actually the individual sessions that I do are not that long, so I don’t really eat during sessions. I prefer to sit down after practice for a regular lunch. I do drink a lot (isotone sports drink) and immediately after really hard sessions I refuel with a protein shake.
I love coffee and whipped cream, so for dessert I’ll usually have a cappuccino or Irish coffee. Maybe strawberries and cream. Also, I really like doughnuts.
