We recently published what was revealed by the Royal Dutch Swimming Federation (KNZB) as the roster of athletes set to represent the Netherlands at this year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
Among the veterans such as Ranomi Kromowidjojo and Femke Heemskerk, newcomers Thom de Boer, Nyls Korstanje and Arno Kamminga also made the grade. You can see the entire roster as it was originally announced here.
Texas student-athlete Caspar Corbeau was originally identified on the KNZB’s list as a reserve breaststroke for the medley relays. However, since then, High-Performance Center Amsterdam coach Mark Faber has confirmed what Corbeau announced via social media that the 20-year-old has indeed been added to the individual breaststroke events as well.
Per Corbeau’s Instagram, “Under further consideration… The Dutch Olympic Committee has decided to allow me to compete at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan!! 🎌🧡🤘🏼🔥
I honestly don’t know what to say besides thank you. Thank you to my friends, family, and coaches for supporting me throughout my swimming career. Y’all have fought on my behalf, through thick and thin, and I am truly grateful for that.
To my Texas boys – thank you for challenging me everyday in and out of the pool. I’ve never been more proud to call myself a Texas Longhorn.
To my Dutch Friends – thank you for accepting me for who I am and providing me with a unique, international experience.
Hook ‘em Horns 🤘🏼🧡 I’ll see y’all in Tokyo 🎌”
#olympics #texas #love
Although Corbeau’s career-best times of 59.38 in the 100m breast and 2:08.57 in the 200m breast logged in Rotterdam last December both dipped under the respective FINA ‘A’ cuts in the events, the performances did not get under the KNZB-mandated QTs. The FINA ‘A’ cut for the men’s 100m breast sits at 59.93 while the Dutch mark is 59.56. The FINA ‘A’ cut for the men’s 200m breast is 2:10.35 while the KNZB’s standard is 2:08.52.
However, with the Dutch Olympic Committee providing its approval Corbeau is on his way to representing the Netherlands in Tokyo in his Olympic Games debut.
Just a little note : Caspar’s PB in the 200 breast is 2.08.57 (not 2.08.52 as stated above, typo i guess), thats why he wasn’t qualified automatically
Fixed, thanks!
Congratulations Caspar! Hook ‘em!!!
I still don’t get why countries make their cuts faster than the A cuts. Glad they let Caspar in, tho I wish he’d have known at Euros when he dipped under the A cuts.
Money
I am with you there! Never understood this logic! If they have A cut and top 2 in country, then let them go! The state of NY has 19 million people and The Netherlands has 17 million. I can’t imagine being that selective to make standards this hard!!!! Maybe USA say you have to make a podium time to make their team?!?! We have 350+ people!
it is called setting high standards
Agreed. Most top swimming countries standards are set high so they can have a chance at a final or even a medal.
So USA should make higher standards or don’t take some people?
I get that’s what it is, but it doesn’t answer the why? What conceivable reason would these nations have to not send athletes to the biggest event in sporting?
Great news! his post after euros about being heartbroken for not making it was very hard to read so it’s great to see him get the nod and become an Olympian!
So happy for him! HOOK ‘EM!
Congrats Caspar! Glad they allowed him to go because those times could arguably be good enough to qualify for the US.
Great news for Caspar! What are his Dutch roots? Mom or dad or both? Has he ever lived there and does he speak the language? I know he has always represented the Netherlands, even as a Junior swimmer. I also know most Dutch people speak very good English so language would not be a problem.
His mom is Dutch and his dad is American I believe
Backwards. I’m Dutch, mom is American. Caspar has dual citizenship.