University honours Olympic students Zonderland, Van Aanholt, Blink and Dopheide

On Monday 29 October, the University of Groningen will honour its Olympic students Epke Zonderland, Philipine van Aanholt, Marit Dopheide and Rogier Blink. The beautiful gold-winning gymnastics routine by gymnast and medical student Zonderland made an impression across the globe. Also putting in a special performance by competing in the 2012 London Olympics were University of Groningen students Van Aanholt (Business Administration) in sailing, Dopheide (Human Movement Sciences) in track & field and Blink (Economics) in rowing. The University of Groningen welcomes all students and staff to attend the festivities in honour of these Olympians, which will take place in the Aula of the Academy Building on Monday 29 October from 6 p.m.

Professor of Neuromechanics Bert Otten will provide a scientific analysis of Zonderland’s successful Olympic routine, including the unique combination of three aerial elements: the Cassina-Kovacs-Kolman. The Olympians will then receive a plaque bearing an inscription which will be added to the Wall of Fame of the University of Groningen and Hanze University Groningen at the Sports Centre. After the ceremony, at about 7 p.m., a reception will take place in the H.J.D. Bruinszaal.

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The Olympic wall of the University of Groningen and Hanze University Groningen was covered in this Unifocus item, well before the Olympic Games took place, with a special role for Epke Zonderland. Previously, Professor Bert Otten analysed what happens to runners who reach extremely high speeds in this Adams Appel episode .