04/08/2020 14:00
Dutch Olympic hopefuls Stubbe and Van Iersel part ways
News from the National Federations
Utrecht, Netherlands, August 4, 2020. Dutch Beach Volleyball players Joy Stubbe and Marleen van Iersel have announced the end of their partnership, which means they will not pursue together the goal of qualifying for the re-scheduled Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Stubbe, in consultation with her medical staff, has decided that she needs to take a break from competitive sport. The postponement of the Olympic Games to next year and the lack of high-level tournaments in 2020 due to the coronavirus crisis have ultimately been the deciding factor for Stubbe to make this decision. Two-time European champion Van Iersel, on the other hand, will chase a ticket to Tokyo with another partner.
Joy Stubbe (23) and Marleen van Iersel (32) have been playing together since October 2017 under the guidance of the Spanish coach Danny Rodriguez. Marleen van Iersel is a two-time Olympian (2012 and 2016) and two-time European champion (2012 and 2014). Joy Stubbe is a two-time U20 European champion (2015 and 2016) with Nika Daalderop.
Stubbe and Van Iersel currently sit in 16th place in the Olympic world rankings, a position that would secure them a ticket to the Olympic Games at the end of the qualifying period.
“I did not make this decision to throw in the towel, but to make sure I pick it up with love again to wipe my drops of sweat with it,” said Stubbe.
Joy Stubbe and Marleen van Iersel portrayed while competing at the 2018 edition of EuroBeachVolley on home sand in Apeldoorn
“Joy’s unexpected decision is a big blow to me. After all the time, fun and energy we put into it with our team, I would have loved to finish this adventure with Joy, our coach Danny and our staff,” commented Van Iersel. “Unfortunately, at the moment I can do nothing but respect Joy’s decision. I am looking for a new partner to compete for a spot at the Tokyo Olympics. Giving up is not an option for me. The Olympic fire in me is far from extinguished and I would like to end my career in a positive way. I wish Joy good luck in the future.”
“We regret, of course, that this duo does not continue together,” said Joop Alberda, Technical Director of the Dutch Volleyball Federation (Nevobo). “Our federation would like to participate in the Tokyo Olympics with the maximum of two women’s teams, and Joy and Marleen were well on their way to qualifying. We take care of all top athletes in Volleyball and Beach Volleyball and we will therefore guide the players as well as possible in this difficult process. For Joy, that means processing this big decision, while we want to help Marleen keep her Olympic dream alive and make sure it comes true.”
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