On May 22, Douwe Amels, the towering figure of Netherlands’ high jump, officially announced his retirement after an impressive 15-year career. And while the medals, records, and titles will be etched into the record books, it’s the heart behind every leap that fans will remember most.
A Career Marked by More Than Just Medals
From the moment Douwe broke the national junior high jump record in 2010, it was clear the Netherlands had found a gem. That year, he represented his country at the World Junior Championships in Moncton, Canada, marking the beginning of what would be a storied journey.
Fast forward to 2023, and Amels reached the pinnacle of his career at the European Indoor Championships in Istanbul. That day, he soared to 2.31m, not only claiming gold but equaling a national record that had remained untouched for 21 years. It was a historic leap, one that earned the Netherlands its first-ever men’s high jump title at the event and firmly cemented Amels as a national icon.
But Douwe was never just about the numbers. With over 20 Dutch national titles and two European crowns, what set him apart was a resilience that inspired, a grace in victory and defeat, and a genuine love for the sport that radiated every time he stepped onto the track.
A Farewell Born From Within
In his heartfelt Instagram post announcing his retirement, Amels wrote:
“After 15 years of professional high jump, I have decided to retire.”
There was no dramatic injury, no sudden drop in form, just a quiet, personal decision.
“The fire to go all out every day doesn’t burn as brightly as before,” he admitted.
“And without that fire, elite sports doesn’t give me the joy it once did.”
His final competitive appearance came at the 2025 European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn. Though he didn’t make it past the qualifying round with a 2.13m jump, Amels still donned the coveted Golden Bib, a fitting symbol of his enduring presence in the sport.
“It is very special that my last official competition was in front of a home crowd,” he reflected.
The Fans’ Emotional Goodbye
As news of his retirement spread, fans across the athletics world flooded social media with tributes. The messages were raw, heartfelt, and spoke of a man who meant far more to the sport than medals alone.
“Love you man ❤️ will miss you at the track 😢 The original Flying Dutchman!” one wrote, a nod to his historic 2.31m jump in Istanbul.
Another shared, “Congratulations on the amazing career! We will miss you 🥲.”
For many, it was about the memories, of the boy from Friesland who finished 9th at the 2010 World Juniors and rose to stand atop podiums in Tampere and Istanbul, leaving a trail of quiet brilliance in his wake.
Some fans couldn’t hold back their emotions.
“This lets me tear up a bit, but I know nothing other than great things come for you after this episode in life. ❤️ So much to look forward to, so much to look back at 🙏.”
And the messages kept pouring in.
“My brother… Seeing this post leaves me speechless 🥲. It makes me go way back to the very first time I came to Europe. I met you in my first international high jump competition.”
Amels, visibly moved by the outpouring of love, shared a quiet acknowledgment on his Instagram stories.
“Feel so much love for everyone that has been a part of my career. Your messages, stories, and photos make me tear up every time I see a new one 😭.”
A Legacy That Leaps Beyond Records
As Douwe Amels hangs up his spikes, he leaves behind a legacy defined by grace, grit, and a golden leap that gave the Netherlands a moment it will forever cherish.
He showed what it means to chase a dream with heart and humility, and his story will echo in the memories of every fan who witnessed his flight.
And though the spikes are off, the memories remain, high above the bar where Douwe Amels soared, and in the hearts of those who cheered him on.
