High jumper Douwe Amels has ended his career on Thursday. The 2023 European Indoor Champion says he is no longer optimally motivated.
“Although this was a particularly difficult decision, I feel that the moment has come to do something else,” the 33-year-old Amels writes on Instagram. The athlete is a national record holder with a jump of 2.31 meters.
“The fire to go to the extreme every day burns less brightly than before. Without that fire, top sport is not fun enough for me. High jumping has brought me more than I ever thought and will forever be a part of me.”
Amels became Dutch high jump champion 22 times (indoor and outdoor). The highlight of his career is the title at the European Indoor Championships two years ago in Istanbul. His last competition was the European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn in March. Amels was eliminated there in the qualifications.
“I am extremely grateful that I have had the opportunity to practice my greatest passion for fifteen years. I will use the free time that now arises to find something that will make my fire burn again.”