collectivesports & wellbeing

Beyond Limits - Mastering the Mindset of Champions

25. 09. 24

19:00-21:30

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Beyond Limits - Mastering The Mindset of A Champion

BEYOND LIMITS - MASTERING THE MINDSET OF A CHAMPION

What does it take to excel at the highest levels of sport?

Nina Derwael, Michael Van Der Plaetsen (world-class coach of Nafi Thiam), and Laurens Devos will share their experiences in pushing physical and mental boundaries. They are invited by our very own Collective curators Evi Van Acker and Cédric Van Branteghem who will also join in the discussion. This inspiring conversation will cover how elite athletes build resilience, stay mentally sharp, and overcome setbacks. Whether you're an athlete yourself or simply looking for inspiration and motivation, this is an evening that will leave you empowered to push beyond your limits.

GUEST POLICY

Feel free to bring one guest along.
Make sure to register your guest, they will always need to show their ticket at the entrance.

NINA DERWAEL

Nina Derwael is Belgium’s most decorated gymnast, known for her elegant yet powerful performances on the uneven bars, her signature apparatus. In 2021, she made history by becoming Belgium's first-ever Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics at the Tokyo Olympic Games. A two-time world champion and three-time European champion, Nina's achievements are the result of years of hard work, discipline, and overcoming challenges in a sport that demands precision and resilience. Her journey has inspired many, not only for her sporting prowess but for her mental strength and perseverance in the face of setbacks.

MICHAEL VAN DER PLAETSEN

Michael Van Der Plaetsen is a highly respected coach in the world of athletics, known for his work with some of the most talented athletes, including Nafi Thiam, the three-time Olympic heptathlon champion. As a former decathlete himself, Michael brings a wealth of personal experience and understanding of the mental and physical demands of multi-event sports. His coaching philosophy centers on resilience, adaptability, and mental toughness—qualities that he instills in his athletes to help them succeed on the world stage. His contributions to Belgian athletics have made him a key figure in the development of elite performance.

LAURENS DEVOS

Laurens Devos is a Belgian Paralympic table tennis player and a true symbol of perseverance and determination. At just 16 years old, Laurens won his first Paralympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Games, successfully defended his title at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and won his second Paralympic gold medal in Paris, cementing his place as one of the world's top para-athletes. Born with hemiplegia, which affects movement on one side of his body, Laurens has overcome significant physical challenges to reach the pinnacle of his sport. His story is a testament to the power of mindset, resilience, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

EVI VAN ACKER

Evi Van Acker is a Belgian Olympic sailor and a bronze medalist in the Laser Radial class at the 2012 London Olympics. Known for her strategic mind and competitive spirit, Evi's illustrious sailing career also includes multiple European and World Championship medals. Since retiring from competitive sailing, Evi has become a prominent voice in the world of sports and personal development, sharing her experiences as a motivational speaker. Her deep understanding of the importance of mindset, resilience, and focus makes her a natural choice to moderate and guide meaningful conversations about high-performance athletes.

CEDRIC VAN BRANTEGHEM

Cédric Van Branteghem is a former Olympic sprinter and now the CEO of the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (BOIC), where he plays a key role in shaping Belgium’s Olympic future. As a 400-meter specialist, Cédric competed in the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, representing Belgium on the world stage. After retiring from athletics, he transitioned into sports leadership, first as the sports director of the Memorial Van Damme, one of the most prestigious athletics events globally. In his current role at the BOIC, Cédric is focused on supporting and developing Belgium's top athletes, ensuring they have the resources and environment to thrive at the Olympic level. His deep experience both as an elite athlete and sports leader makes him a dynamic moderator, bringing valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities in modern sports.

Beyond Limits - Mastering the Mindset of Champions

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