TeamNL Champion Visits
He is a ten-time world champion(!). And as part of ‘The Bullet Train’ he won two Olympic gold medals, including one last summer at the Olympic Games in Paris. During his impressive career, he has won countless gold, silver, and bronze medals worldwide. Not bad for a boy from Nijverdal who actually started his cycling career on a BMX bike and even had doubts about pursuing a professional sports career.
Talent, hard work, and a winning mentality ensured that he eventually became a very successful athlete.
Meet…
We’re talking about ‘the Hulk’, aka Jeffrey Hoogland. Successful track cyclist and member of TeamNL. What many people don’t know is that Jeffrey (31) started his cycling career on a BMX bike. From age four, Jeffrey was already alongside his brothers at the BMX track at FCV de Lochsprinters in Nijverdal. Everything had to give way for the young and very enthusiastic Jeffrey, as he had only one goal: to make it to the Olympic Games. And he succeeded! Although it wasn’t on BMX, but as a successful track cyclist.
After years of competing at the top level in BMX, several injuries and setbacks followed one after another. This also affected Jeffrey’s motivation. But after the surprising switch to track cycling, his motivation and drive to perform and reach the Olympic Games returned completely. The many titles and medals serve as the best proof.
Welcome to FYEO
Did you know that it’s always very warm in the sports hall during track cycling? This is not only to keep the athletes’ muscles loose but also to reduce air resistance and optimize the track surface. All of this to enhance speed and performance. However, a major disadvantage is the dry air created by the heat in the hall. This can quickly lead to dry eyes, and especially if you wear contact lenses, it can cause eye irritation. This was also the case for Jeffrey Hoogland, who often had eye problems at the end of training and competition days and would often switch from lenses to glasses in the evening.
The problems with his dry contact lenses, combined with increasing hay fever symptoms, brought Jeffrey to the TeamNL team doctor. The team doctor quickly pointed out the collaboration between FYEO and TeamNL, because what if you didn’t need glasses or lenses to see well? That sounded like music to Jeffrey’s ears, and an appointment was quickly made for a preliminary examination at one of FYEO’s clinics.
Personal Advice and Customized Treatment
After extensive preliminary examination and consultation with one of FYEO’s eye doctors, treatment proved to be no problem for Jeffrey. Together with the doctor, they looked at the best possible treatment. Not just for his eyes, but also a treatment that fits his active lifestyle. Quick recovery is important for Jeffrey due to his training schedule. Good vision is essential for maximum performance, as track cycling is all about details.
In his free time, Jeffrey also enjoys skiing and has a passion for motocross. During these activities, he also often experiences problems with his contact lenses. Plenty of reasons for treatment at FYEO, so an appointment was scheduled.
What a Relief
The day of treatment at FYEO went smoothly and quickly. Jeffrey was naturally nervous upon arrival but was quickly reassured by FYEO’s staff. He went to the operating room with full confidence, and immediately after the (Relex Smile) treatment, the results were visible. Within a few days, Jeffrey was back on his bike and could resume training, but this time without lenses.
After a few weeks, we asked Jeffrey how he was doing and how life without glasses/lenses was working out. Surprisingly, he didn’t start with the advantages during sports but mentioned how the small things make a big difference. “Waking up with good vision is wonderful. You’re immediately ready and can start your day right away. Your head feels fresh,” says Jeffrey Hoogland. He also emphasized how quickly good vision becomes natural once you’ve been treated.
The Future Looks Bright
After a short rest period, Jeffrey is already back to training hard and working on his (base) fitness. He’s now focusing on the World Championships in Chile (October 2025). Now that he no longer experiences hindrance from his lenses (or glasses), he expects this will only improve his performance.
But before that, he’s also going on a winter sports trip and has a motocross race scheduled in France. With this active lifestyle, everything becomes easier and more enjoyable without glasses and lenses. Though it turns out that the true joy of good vision without glasses or lenses lies hidden in the small moments, even for a top athlete like Jeffrey.
Soon we’ll contact Jeffrey again to ask how he’s doing.
As the official Eye Care Supplier of TeamNL, FYEO has already treated dozens of top athletes. You can read more about it on our TeamNL page.
