Former goalball player Tom Vanhove from Belgium has a new role as he went from being a player for the Belgian Bulls to being a co-commentator during the European Para Championships in Rotterdam.
Vanhove, who competed for Belgium at the 2012 and 2020 Paralympic Games, is enjoying his new role. “Of course I miss playing myself and everything that comes with it,” Vanhove laughs. “But I can compensate that a little bit because being a co-commentator allows me to still be active within the sport. What I don’t miss is training hard and the time I had to miss my family. I’m glad I can be with my family more now. But never say never, maybe someday I’ll come back.”
Vanhove was an active player for the Belgian team since 2004 until the end of 2022. “I decided to retire because to a mix of reasons. Not only is the road to Paris (2024) long and hard, but I also have two young children. During the 2021 Tokyo Paralympic Games and the 2022 World Cup, it was very tough at the family level. My wife sacrificed a lot for the family. I also want to see my children grow up and be involved. That’s the main reason I decided to retire,” he said.
The fact he’s now involved as a co-commentator is a godsend, according to Vanhove: “This allows me to still be involved in the sport I love so much. Also, being a former player allows me to add that extra information and facts to the commentary. I’m glad I got that opportunity.”
In the video below, Vanhove talks more about goalball and his role as a co-commentator.
