Life after the Olympics: Kyle Stolk's Story






Welcome back to Worlds Apart Words Together!

This week we are introducing a very special guest: Kyle Stolk. This blog is dedicated for him to introduce himself so you can get to know him a little bit. But that's not all. For this week's podcast episode we've had the privilege to talk to him and hear from Kyle himself what life is like after retiring from professional sports. To hear more details about Kyle and his retired life experiences, make sure to tune in to our podcast which is launching this Saturday! 





If you ask me my name, they call me Kyle Stolk. If you ask who I am, then I’m much more than just my name. I’m empathic, colourful, spontaneous, adventurous, honest and kind. I try to be a good person and truly believe that I am. I’m someone who enjoys trying new things, am curious about the world and all it has to offer. I enjoy meeting new people and sharing stories. I am somewhat of an extrovert, but my battery charges alone or in a small group setting. 

I am 27 years young and I was born in South Africa, but am currently living in the Netherlands. I’ve also lived for several years in Ireland between my 11th and 15th birthday before moving to the Netherlands. I am however a Dutch resident with Dutch nationality. I competed for the Netherlands. However I do not feel Dutch, nor South African. 

I love trying new things and traveling. That is definitely a hobby of mine. Currently been to 45+ countries. Also thanks to my swimming carrier, but also for travel/vacation. Other hobbies include learning Spanish through Duolingo, handpan, poi, Dungeons & Dragons, concerts/festivals, food, yoga, meditation, gaming, series/movie watching, cuddling my cat Shrimp & eating. 

A favorite memory would be all the places I’ve been to and people I’ve met. Some other core memories are the Olympic Games of 2016 in Rio, swimming a World Record in 2017, becoming European Junior champion in 2014, Youth Olympic silver in China, the countless lengths going back and forth in the swimming pool, the celebration of a really good friend qualifying for an important competition and the struggle of trying to perfect everything you do day in, day out. 

Since retiring from the swimming world I’ve worked as a substitute teacher for primary education while I’m finishing my degree in Eindhoven. Currently I’ve stopped working to focus on my thesis. The goal is to be done studying by the end of February and then work as a teacher until the summer. Further I try to spend my time nowadays going for walks, doing yoga, meditating, going to festivals/concerts, meeting new people and travelling. 







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