Arno Kamminga's Struggle and Comeback Ahead of Paris Olympics

Dutch swimmer Arno Kamminga, who won two silver medals at the Tokyo Olympics, faced significant challenges including illness, Covid-19, fatigue, and burnout, derailing his preparation for the Paris Games. Despite reduced training and difficulties, Kamminga is working to regain his form and is optimistic for upcoming competitions.

Arno Kamminga, the Dutch swimmer who clinched two silver medals at the Tokyo Olympics in the 100m and 200m breaststroke, is facing an uphill battle as he prepares for the Paris Games. His journey took a challenging turn after he fell ill and contracted Covid-19 during the 2022 world championships in Budapest, leading to severe fatigue and burnout.

Kamminga, who once trained 35 hours a week, found himself barely managing four hours due to his deteriorating health. This drastic reduction in training also affected his diet, with consumption dropping from 6,500 calories a day. "Eating felt like an extra chore," Kamminga told Reuters. He had to take an entire month off before slowly rebuilding his fitness levels.

Reflecting on his ordeal, Kamminga shared how he spent months in a blur, battling extreme tiredness and unhealthy habits such as excessive Netflix binge-watching. However, he remains hopeful and determined to return to his peak, saying, "I've been trying to come back ever since. It's been a long and challenging road, but I'm still loving every second of it." The swimming events begin on Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies.)