Carlien has always loved dogs. When she was a child the family did not have dogs, so she started walking dogs for other people.
"During my top sports career there was no time for having my own dog. But years later when my children were a little older; I got my first own dog, my special Rhodesian Ridgeback and started canicross!"
She is a former top-athlete, and was Dutch Champion and record holder on the 10 km (running) on the track (32.22 min). Due to an injury, she started with dog sports. In Carlien's first international race she won a bronze medal at the European Championships! Then she decided that she wanted to do more in this fantastic sport!
Today, Carlien is racing with her greysters Mikke, Powerrr and Oslo. Soon she hopes that her puppy, Joonas, is ready.
Since 2011 Carlien has participated in European/World Championships and have almost always won medals in canicross or bikejoring. Previously in Veterans 1 and since 2018 Veterans 2.
"I like to be active at the highest level for as long as possible and show the world that these sports together with your dogs are GREAT. Sports and dogs are my passion; I like to be active together with my dogs. It's a special bond between me and my dogs, and it becomes stronger day by day, and it makes it very special to perform together!"
