The live performance went slightly differently, but this was my speech as intended.
Of course, I would also like to congratulate Mitch and Rogier on a fantastic year, but also all the other athletes who unfortunately did not make it into the final three!
I am, of course, extremely pleased to have won this award. In terms of sporting events, it has been a truly remarkable year, but on a personal level, less so.
There are many people I would like to thank, but I will do that personally.
There is one person I would like to thank in particular, and that is Hans Jurgen Striek, my trainer since I was 15! Sadly, he passed away last September.
What he has meant to me cannot be described in words. From the age of 15 to the present day.
All the awards I have won so far, from junior titles to Grand Slam victories and Paralympic medals, I have won together with him.
And now, to be named Paralympic Athlete of the Year while I am here with my father and mother and HJ's family, is very special to me!
This one's for you, boss!