TeamNL top player visiting
She is only 31 years old, but she has already travelled the world thanks to her top sports career. She has visited Australia, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, the Seychelles and many more beautiful destinations. And in many of these places she has also booked beautiful victories in the water. The changing conditions are a challenge time and again, because the crystal clear water in Curaçao cannot be compared to the Seine in Paris. But even under these conditions, she managed to win a gold medal for the second time last summer, after a bloodcurdling final sprint, during the Olympic Games.
Meet…
Sharon van Rouwendaal has been among the absolute world top in open water swimming for years. Sharon is best known for her unique performances in the 10 kilometer open water swimming, but she started in the pool at the age of 5. After a few competitions she turned out not to be talented but she already had an unprecedented perseverance at a young age. Both important qualities to reach the absolute top.
At the age of 13, Sharon went abroad to train better and focus on a top sports career. As a junior, she won several medals at European and World Championships in various disciplines. This success continued with the seniors, but Sharon slowly started to focus more on long distances and open water swimming. A good choice considering the great performances of the past years. For example, she became 8x(!) European champion. But the crowning glory of her work is without a doubt two times gold and one time silver at the Olympic Games in the 10 kilometer open water swimming.
Welcome to FYEO
Open water swimming comes with challenging conditions. Think current, wind and temperature. Not to mention the dirty water in the Seine last summer during the Olympic Games in Paris. As if that wasn’t enough, Sharon had to deal with another challenge, namely poor visibility. Because of this, she even missed a buoy during a competition, forcing her to swim back to avoid disqualification.
Swimming with (double) goggles is not an option and wearing contact lenses is also not ideal. Despite the swimming goggles, the water often finds a way and Sharon’s lenses still came into contact with water, resulting in eye irritation or even the loss of a lens. Sharon therefore accepted the reduced vision and the associated risks.
Apart from the obvious problems in the water, Sharon also struggled with eye problems ‘on land’. She often suffered from dry eyes, due to training in the water but also due to the many trips, such as dry air in the plane and the change of climate. Wearing lenses is then extra annoying or even impossible, and she does not like or enjoy wearing glasses. Fortunately, Sharon, as a top athlete within TeamNL, quickly came into contact with FYEO and immediately made an appointment for a preliminary examination.
Personal advice and tailor-made treatment
A life without glasses and lenses was getting closer for Sharon. No more discomfort while swimming, no more irritated eyes or the hassle of putting your lenses in and out. And no more glasses! After an extensive preliminary examination in one of the FYEO clinics, it turned out that Sharon could be treated for her eyes. Sharon then received personal advice during a consultation with one of the ophthalmologists at FYEO.
The best possible treatment was discussed based on her eyes, but also what would best suit her active lifestyle. Tailor-made, because every eye is unique. Within a few weeks, Sharon was treated by the same ophthalmologist she had spoken to earlier during the consultation. How surprised she was by the result!
Wake up with clear vision
Sharon indicated that she was positively surprised from the first time she met FYEO. Not a clinical environment, but a homely atmosphere. The employees are friendly, involved and give good advice. That gives peace and confidence. Before, during and after the treatment. “The first day after the treatment I thought wow, I can see so well!”, says Sharon. Waking up and being able to see well straight away is also mentioned by Sharon as a big plus. After a short recovery period, Sharon was able to get back to work quickly and has since travelled and swum all over the world. In the meantime, she can always go to FYEO for check-ups and questions.
Future plans
After all her successes and the gold medal in Paris, it is time to take stock. Sharon is not leaving top-level sport behind, but is making room to explore other interests. For example, Sharon will give more clinics and presentations at home and abroad. And as a real family person, Sharon would like to make more time for her family and friends, because this does not always go well with the life of a top athlete. Sharon’s renewed sharp vision has also provided a different perspective on life.
We will be closely monitoring Sharon’s progress over the coming months and will contact her shortly for an update.
As official Eye Care Supplier of TeamNL, FYEO has already treated dozens of top athletes. You can read more about it on our TeamNL page .
