1 Name, DOB, where do you live?
Dan van Hooijdonk, - 12th of June 1993, born in Holland but live in Swansea
2. Discipline/Partners
3 How did you get started in Badminton?
I went to support my Brother in a judo tournament a while back which cancelled, and as we were at the leisure centre watching a local club play we decided to take on a game of badminton and we hired rackets and a shuttle from the reception! (This was before realising our Dad was so good!)
4 Interesting fact about yourself that not many people would know?
Bit of a Michael Jordan fanatic and currently have 21 pairs of Jordan shoes...and counting! Gotta’ Love the Sneakers! Plus a signed NBA Chicago Bulls Jersey that he wore in his prime, which was rather pricey!
5 Best achievements to date?
Number one in GB at own age group. Top few players Under 18 GB
Under 17 British gold title aged 13
Last 8 Junior Europeans
100% win record in club matches for Van Zijderveld
6 Goals for this season-2010?
Ranked top 3 in Badminton Europe Junior circuit
Achieve number one status is GB Under 18
Wins at various EBU junior events.
Keep Winning!
7 Sporting heroes?
Michael Jordan – Floyd Mayweather Junior – Michael Phelps – LeBron James- Fernando Alonso
8 Coaches you have worked with?-(HPC you attend)
Erwin vanHooijdonk, Irwansyah, Eddie O’neil, Joris Van Soerland
South Wales HPC
9 Long term Badminton Goals?
Medal at Under 19 European, 2014 Commonwealth Games, 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro , Youth Commonwealth Medal, Welsh Senior number one, represent Wales and GB in different senior events.
10 How does it feel to be part of the HPC/Talent group?
It’s good to come together as a group and develop some new ideas, it’s a chance to train, spar, and also see young players improve and become the next Welsh hopefuls
11. Favourite Food?
Definitely Mums homemade lasagne, and its nice to fit in some traditional Dutch bitterballen and vla whenever we can!
12. Favourite film?
Space Jam or Hurricane
13. Spare time?
Studying AS Levels, spending time with family and keeping fit with a few other hobbies (Tennis + Basketball)