Beach volleyball player Marleen van Iersel has to find a new teammate for next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo. Her current partner Joy Stubbe takes a break in consultation with her medical staff.
The experienced Van Iersel (32) and 23-year-old Stubbe have been a duo since October 2017. Van Iersel speaks of an “unexpected decision” and a “big blow” after the choice of her teammate.
“After all the time, fun and energy that we put into it with our team, I would have liked to finish this adventure together with Joy, our coach Danny and our staff. Unfortunately, at the moment I can do nothing but respect Joy’s decision “, she says Volleybal.nl.
“I’m looking for a new partner to compete for the Tokyo Olympics. Giving up is not an option for me. The Olympic fire in me is far from extinguished and I would like to end my career in a positive way.”
Van Iersel previously formed a couple with Sanne Keizer and Madelein Meppelink. With both beach volleyball players, she was once present at the Olympic Games and captured a European title.
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