The former Dutch hurdles champion in the 100- and 60-metre hurdles, Sharona Bakker, is among a long list of world-class athletes who have found a second home in Potchefstroom.
Bakker has been training in Potchefstroom for the past month in preparation for the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. Her goal is to achieve a qualifying time for the showpiece event.
Bakker and her physiotherapist and trainer, René Dannenburg, are confident that the high altitude, warm climate, fantastic facilities and renowned sporting excellence in Potch would help her grow to new heights. It is quite appropriate that Bakker and Dannenburg even found a slice of Dutch hospitality at the Old Grimbeekhuis in Potch, in between the training.
André Jacobs, the owner of Old Grimbeekhuis, provides Bakker with nutritious food and a relaxed ambience to perform at her best.
“We love coming here for lunch as the meals are really healthy and just what Sharona needs,” says Dannenburg, who is also a former physiotherapist at the Dutch football club, Feyenoord.
Bakker’s journey has not been without stumbling blocks and disappointment, with Achilles injuries and a whole host of operations threatening her career. Under the guidance of Dannenburg, she has made a full recovery since 2019 and could well be back to her best form of a couple of years ago when she was the national champion (2012, 2014) in the 100-metre hurdles.
“We found out what was wrong with Sharona with the help of ultrasound scans. The problems she had have now been completely solved,” said Dannenburg.
She recently also competed in various events in and around Potch and Gauteng in the hopes of achieving the qualifying time. “My personal best is 12.85 seconds and the Olympic qualifying standard is 12.84. I have until 1 July to reach my goal,” says Sharona, who returns to Europe in May.
Bakker, a former world and European Championship semi-finalist, still has the ambition and drive to qualify for the Olympics to end her career on a high. “I am currently running fast and feeling great. I know I am responsible for my performance and have the discipline to succeed.” 
