Schermafbeelding 2023-08-13 om 13.00.36
Aug 13 2023

From goalball player to co-commentator: Tom Vanhove enjoys competitions in Rotterdam

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.

More News

European Para Championships receives extended patronage from European Paralympic Committee

European Para Championships receives extended patronage from European Paralympic Committee

EPC2023 EVALUATION BY MULIER INSTITUTE

EPC2023 EVALUATION BY MULIER INSTITUTE

EPC2023 Sustainability Report

EPC2023 Sustainability Report

European Para Championships Receives Bids from Two Potential Hosts for 2027 Championships

European Para Championships Receives Bids from Two Potential Hosts for 2027 Championships

Teaser EPC2023 documentary

Teaser EPC2023 documentary

Extraordinary impact achieved through the 2023 European Para Championships

Extraordinary impact achieved through the 2023 European Para Championships

All of Viktoria Modesta’s performances at the EPC2023 Opening Ceremony

All of Viktoria Modesta’s performances at the EPC2023 Opening Ceremony

Watch the #EPC2023 aftermovie

Watch the #EPC2023 aftermovie

Eric Kersten: ‘We have put this event on the map for the future’

Eric Kersten: ‘We have put this event on the map for the future’

Para sport got the attention it deserves!

Para sport got the attention it deserves!

All News