Here To Create With Nouchka Fontijn
Who better to learn boxing from than a boxing champion? Step into the ring on December 7th during the new Here To Create with Nouchka Fontijn, European Boxing Champion in 2014, silver medallist at the World Championships in 2016, and silver medallist at the Olympic Games in 2016. She has just returned from this year’s World Championships and we spoke to her as a warm-up.
How did the World Championships go?
Simple question with a fairly difficult answer! I won silver, but I also lost gold. In 2016 I had already won silver at the World Championships, so this time I really went for gold. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but that it was possible. It’s a shame that I wasn’t able to seize this great opportunity. I was very close. Luckily I also realise that I could have been knocked out in the first round and come home empty-handed. Mixed feelings, then.
How do you prepare for a tournament like the World Championships or the Olympic Games?
On one hand, we have prepared ourselves so many times for something this ‘big’ that it’s almost routine. On the other hand, every preparation is different and you always deal with different circumstances. The number of weekly boxing and physical training sessions is usually the same, but the content of both workouts varies greatly. Preparations also include training camps and it’s always a matter of finding the right sparring partners. We naturally look at what goes well and what goes wrong in the sparring sessions and adjust the training accordingly.
Do you follow a special nutrition plan and what does it look like?
I don’t stick to a very strict diet every day. However, I am conscious of getting the right nutrients and avoiding carrying unnecessary body weight. I mainly focus on getting carbohydrates, proteins and fats at the right moments, and of course enough vitamins. I burn a lot, so I eat quite a lot too. Roughly 2,500 – 3,000 kcal per day.
Which title are you most proud of?
It has to be a gold one! I have very good memories of the European Games (2015). But perhaps I’m most proud of winning a European tournament, the Strandja Cup, which I once won after having to box five days in a row. Those were all strong opponents and the conditions that week were very tough.
What is the ultimate goal for you?
That’s clear: becoming World Champion or Olympic Champion.
What sets you apart from other female boxers?
I think I’m quite well-rounded. I can box well going forward, for example, but I’m also a good counter-puncher. And I’m one of the strongest in my category. In terms of height, I’d say I’m just right.
What has been an important learning moment during your sporting career?
That you should never let yourself be led or hindered by peripheral matters. In the past we’ve had issues with administrative affairs and if you’re not careful, you lose the enjoyment of it and your career could suddenly be over. By continuing to surround yourself with the right people, sometimes switching off your brain and doing what you’re good at, you’ll ultimately come out on top.
What can people expect from the Here To Create event on December 7th?
I want to give the participants a look behind the scenes of our ‘kitchen’. My coach and I are happy to explain what we consider important and why. After a good warm-up we’ll get to work on stance, punches and defence. In a safe way we’ll also do some sparring and finish with a tough fitness session!
Let’s get ready to rumbleee!
