Marlou van Rhijn (Dutch pronunciation:[mɑrˈluvɑnˈrɛin]; born 22 October 1991) is a retired professional Dutch former professional sprint runner.[5] Van Rhijn, who was born without lower legs,[6] is the world record holder for T43 in the 100 and 200 metres events and ran with the aid of carbon fibretranstibialartificial limbs. She competed in T44 (single below knee incapacity) events though she was classified in T43 (double below knee). She announced her retirement in June 2021.[7]
Until 2009, Van Rhijn was a member of the national team for swimmers with a disability. Amongst others, she was swimming at a World and a European championship. She swam several Dutch national records. She competed in the S9 class and focused on the 50 and 100 meter freestyle.[8] She stopped swimming competitively in 2010 due to lack of motivation.[6]
Athletics
Van Rhijn switched sports in 2010, after being approached by Guido Bonsen, coach of the Dutch Parathletics Team. She did a trial, and was hooked.[6] Van Rhijn became a member of the Dutch Parathletics Team of the Koninklijke Nederlandse Atletiek Unie.[9] Despite qualifying as T43, she competes in the class T44 at the 100 and 200 meters. She qualified for the 2012 Summer Paralympics in May 2012, while competing at the Stadio Olimpico.[10] She was invested as a Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau after winning her Paralympic medals.[11]
She left the national paralympic team. She started training after the Paralympic Games in Ookmeer, Amsterdam with her new coach Parcy Marte, who also trains non-paralympic people.
