Johan Kenkhuis

Johan Kenkhuis (born May 7, 1980 in Vriezenveen) is an Olympic medal winning Dutch swimmer.

Related Topics:
May 7 - 1980 - Vriezenveen - Olympic - Dutch - Swimmer

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From a young age, had a strong interest in swimming. In 1998, he won gold medals in both the 100 meter and 200 meter freestyle events in the European Junior Championships. At the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, Johan was a member of the bronze medal 2x400 meter freestyle relay team. He also helped the Netherlands win a silver medal at the FINA World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan in 2001 as a member of the 1x400 meter freestyle relay team.

Related Topics:
2000 Olympic Games - Sydney - Australia - Netherlands - FINA - World Championships - Fukuoka - Japan

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However, by 2002, he was growing tired of the sport and close to retirement. His coach, Fedor Hes, helped him develop a different training strategy which involved spending more time on dry land. Seemingly invigorated by the new training style, Johan quickly progressed enough to win forth place at the 50 meter freestyle event in the FINA World Championships in Barcelona, Spain. He was only 0.01 seconds behind the bronze medalist.

Related Topics:
FINA - World Championships - Barcelona - Spain

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In the 2004 Olympic Games, Johan was a member of the Dutch Olympic swim team. As the starting swimmer in the 1x400 meter freestyle relay, alongside Pieter van den Hoogenband, Mitja Zastrow, and Klaas-Erik Zwering he played a critical role in securing a silver medal in the event.

Related Topics:
2004 Olympic Games - Pieter van den Hoogenband - Mitja Zastrow - Klaas-Erik Zwering

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Johan is currently living in Amsterdam where he is a member of De Dolfijn SPAX swim club but trains with XLence Swimteam. He is working on a degree in commercial economics at Johan Cruyff University.

Related Topics:
Amsterdam - De Dolfijn SPAX - XLence Swimteam - Johan Cruyff University

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Johan was one of only 11 publicly gay athletes to participate in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

Related Topics:
Gay - 2004 Olympic Games

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