Elco: Hi Berend, Lets start by telling me something about your youth.

Berend: I was born in Almelo. And I was raised in Den Ham, which is a small town close to Almelo. I was the youngest of my family. My father worked in the building construction sector, mainly tearing down buildings. And when I was a boy of 13, I often went along with my father to his work, where you could find me lifting the biggest poles I could manage. I wanted to do the same job my father did, but I guess fate decided otherwise. My father died when I was 21, and when I was 24, I moved to Borculo, where I still live today, and where I have my own gym.

Elco: What do you do for a living?

Berend: (laughs) What don't I do for a living!?!? The average day means breakfast, at the office, and then on the road, selling my gym exercise equipment. Usually I'm busy from 9:00 [a.m.] until 22:30 [10:30 p.m.] and that includes training, of course.

Elco: Do you have any hobbies?

Berend: Well, on a sunday I like to relax a bit. Sometimes I play a game of tennis, or just sit on the couch, and watch a good movie. Also on Sundays, my wife and I like to get out and do nice things together. Just relax a bit, you know.

Elco: How did you start out in the strongman business?

Berend: I was 17 when I first entered a gym. I had a friend who did boxing, so I also did that for a while, but I didn't like it. But this friend worked out in the gym, doing fitness. So, one day I joined him. And thats how it started. I entered my first contest of "Strongest Man of Den Ham" (the town I lived) when I was 19. And I won! Then I started powerlifting. I became Dutch Champion 6 times. In 1989 I got an invitation to compete in the Strongest Man of Holland. I took the fourth place there. And after that I became Strongest Man of Holland four times!
I must say, the fire I had then, was lacking a bit this year. It showed in the competitions I entered. With the exception of WSM Teams '98, this year has not been great. It started already with the GP Helsinki, and it has been wobbly all the year through. I just could not reach the fire within. I must say also, that on business level, the year was very good for me.

Elco: What is your biggest achievement so far? The one you are the most proud of?

Berend: Difficult to say. I'm not so easily satisfied, you know. But the event that comes to mind now, is winning Strongest Man of Holland in 1995. I was injured, and after the match I couldn't walk for three weeks, but still I won it. I won it on pure willpower. This "I wont give up" attitude amazes even me sometimes. And it keeps coming back. A doctor once said to me: "you are mentally stronger than your body sometimes is." My determination is so strong, that I sometimes exceed the limits of my body. There are people, who say that I'm approaching the end of my career. Well, they can go back to sleep!!! The hunger is still there, and I'm a long way from throwing the towel in the ring!
What I'm also happy with is winning the WSM Teams of course, and also the place in the finals in Marocco.

Elco: What are your measurements, and what is your best competition weight?

Berend: I am 1.85 m, and during competitions, I weigh around 130 kg.

Elco: How much do you train in a week?

Berend: I work out every day of the week here in my own gym. I got also all the stuff necessary to train for the Strongest Man competitions. For the strongest man events I work out with Wout Zijlstra, and also with the guys who formed team Holland 2 during the WSM Teams in Hardenberg. They are Gert Gerrits (a very good guy, with a strong dedication) and Jarno Harms. Jarno has an enormuous potential, and if he trained a bit harder, then he could go very far.

Elco: Do you have any goals left in this field?

Berend: Well, as you know, I'm involved with the IFSA and NFSA. So my goal is doing more international work and competitions with them. Then the WSM would take a sligthly different shape. The IFSA has accomplished some very good results in Morocco this year, and I would like give much credit to IFSA and Transworld for the organization and the events. Food and accomodations were far from optimal, I agree. But this year has been a good learning experience, and I believe we can improve those aspects at future competitions.
Furthermore next year, besides defending the WSM Team title, I plan to do the Grand Prix's as well and hope to qualify for WSM 1999.

Elco: If you would stop (in the future), what would you probably be doing then?

Berend: I want to remain activly involved with the sport. Organizing competitions and also I'm thinking about judging or referee. Furthermore, guiding, helping and coaching young talents. But I would demand 100% dedication from them. If not, that's fine with me, but don't come knocking on my door.

Elco: Why did you become president of the NFSA (Dutch Federation of Strong Athletes)?

Berend: Once again, the Strongest Man of Holland was cancelled. Nobody was interested in broadcasting it, so I said to myself: "This can't be! Other people (outsiders) are determining whats going on in our sport. Thats when we decided to lay the foundation for the NFSA. The NFSA advises the athletes, and gives them a chance to qualify for competitions. The NFSA is the only one who is allowed to organize The Strongest Man of Holland. Thus, if you are not a member of the NFSA, you can't qualify and therefore you can't compete in the Strongest Man of Holland. This way we can create and control continuancy and a flow through of upcoming young talents. And the results are visible - since the founding of the NFSA there have been more national and international competitions in Holland.
I've also been active within the IFSA. I've offered my help in dealing with and the solving of their organizational problems.

Elco: Do you have an all-time favourite?

Berend: Yes, I loved Jon-Pall Sigmarsson. How he could present himself: Top of the bill! But lets not forget Bill Kazmaier. Jon-Pall was more all-round, but Bill Kazmaier was the strongest when it comes down to pure strength. And last, but certainly not least - Magnus Ver Magnusson. He has always made a big impression on me.

Elco: Well, thats it. I want to thank you for the interview, Berend!

Berend: You're welcome!
 

Some Pictures of Berend:

Berend in front of some of his equipment:   

Me and Berend in his gym: