Dutch 400m star Lieke Klaver is staying calm and focused this season, even as the world’s best continue to clock blistering times around her.
The 25-year-old is still riding the high of her biggest career breakthrough. She earned her first individual gold medal at the 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn. Roared on by a home crowd, Klaver delivered a flawless performance to take the 400m title in 50.38 seconds, finally turning potential into a major podium finish.
“For me, it was super important to get that medal,” she reflected. “The timing made it even more special because my family was there. Everyone in the Netherlands was excited for this competition.”
The win wasn’t just personal , it was deeply emotional for her inner circle. “To see my coach that happy, knowing how badly I wanted it… it was perfect.”
Now preparing for the Stockholm Diamond League , Klaver is fully aware of the fast times already being posted this outdoor season. This includes several sub-49 performances , but she remains grounded and confident.
“I don’t feel stressed,” she said. “I know where I’ll be in September or maybe even August.”
That belief comes from a brutal winter of training. “We did a huge training block , never had so much tough training ever,” Klaver explained. “I know I’ve got the base. Now it’s about finding the right pieces and getting the peak right.”
Her outdoor opener of 50.6 seconds didn’t make headlines , but she wasn’t expecting it to.
“I always start a bit slow,” she said. “But I know what I’m capable of. I trust the process.”
The World Athletics Championships will be held in Tokyo from 13-21 September 2025. More than 2000 athletes from some 200 countries will come to Tokyo to take part in one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
