Olympic gold medallist passes on words of wisdom to state’s budding stars

Don’t let anyone stop you of chasing your dreams. That was the message from Olympic gold medallist volleyball player Guido Gortzen to the state’s under-19s girls team as they set about chasing their own goals and aspirations.

Under-19 Tasmanian state volleyball squad member Rebecca Flinn, 16, at training that was being taken by Dutch Olympic gold medallist Guido Gortzen. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

DON’T let anyone stop you of chasing your dreams.

That was the message from Olympic gold medallist volleyball player Guido Gortzen to the state’ under-19s girls team as they set about chasing their own goals and aspirations.

The 202cm Gortzen represented Holland at three Olympics, including winning gold in Atlanta in 1996, as well as three world championships and six European championships across a 425-cap, 16-year career.

MORE NEWS:

GRUESOME END OF LAST ‘FULL BLOOD’

LAW REFORM THE TARGET OF NEW SCHOLARSHIP

TASSIE CHAMP MYSTIC JOURNEY GETS WILD CARD ENTRY RUN

‘WE SAW IT BURN ON TV’: HOMES LOST AS BLAZES HIT

But the glory that came was a long way from Gortzen’s start.

“For these girls it’s about inspiring them,” Gortzen, 48, said.

“I bring my gold medal from Atlanta to show them.

“Myself I was 19 when I decided I wanted to be a professional volleyball player, so similar age to these girls, but I didn’t play for any state program, I wasn’t considered a talent but once I made up my mind I wanted to play for the national team and compete in the Olympic Games, it went very fast.

“If you have the right goal, the right dream and find the right people and the right approach you can go a long way.”

Dutch Olympic gold medallist Guido Gortzen with Under 19 state representative Maya Bakowski at Tasmanian state volleyball team training at Elizabeth College. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Gortzen also has an affinity with Tasmania being the Dutch ambassador for Tasmania.com, producing content in both English and Dutch of the state’s attractions.

He said he has fallen in love with the island and is considering moving permanently to the state.

“It is a very fun job, it is like working and having a holidays,” he said.

“Tasmania it is great.

“I like the wilderness and of course the fresh air, the white sandy beaches, the crystal blue waters, the wildlife all over Tasmania. I like to travel and spread the word to the rest of the world.”

[e-mail]