Mariska Beijer has been at the heart of the Dutch wheelchair basketball team’s rise to prominence. From the Paralympic bronze medal in 2012 to gold at the 2018 World Championships, her career reflects resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to her sport. Now, with the Tokyo 2020 games behind her, and the Paralympics 2024 gold medal around her neck, Beijer reflects on her journey and the mindset that has driven her to continuously push for greatness.
Journey and Mindset
Beijer’s journey began with a setback in 2008 when she wasn’t selected for the national team at the Paralympics. "That kind of shifted my focus," she recalls, "Hey, I can make the national team. What do I need to do to get there?" This realization sparked a relentless drive to improve, even while juggling her high school studies with training. By 2010, with her driver’s license and a clear goal in mind, she fully committed to training with the national team.
Reflecting on the 2012 Paralympics, Beijer says, "we were going there to place in the top four. We thought that was the highest we could reach. Then we got home with the bronze medal, and we got hungry after that." The disappointment of missing gold in Rio 2016 fueled her drive, culminating in the team’s world championship victory in 2018.
Fast forward to last Sunday, The Netherlands beat the USA 63-49 to win gold in the women's wheelchair basketball final. USA started well, but once Bo Kramer and Beijer got themselves going, it was one-way traffic. Based on the emotions on all of the player’s faces, it was clear just how much this second-straight gold medal meant to Beijer and her team.
Handling Pressure and Her Motivation
As a veteran leader of the team, Beijer knows the importance of managing pressure. "With over half the team, I’ve been training together for 10-plus years," she explains. "Then you kind of grow into a natural environment where we’re all comfortable and able to tell each other what we need and what we don’t need."
“More people need to start playing sports if we want to keep building the future.”
Despite her MVP status at the 2018 World Championships, Beijer keeps her pre-game routine simple to prepare for the pressure. "I like to be on the court before most of the people, just so I can have a little shot close to the rim," she says. This quiet time on the court helps her stay centered and focused before the game.
Even when times get tough, Beijer remains motivated by her love for basketball. When asked why she keeps showing up, despite the circumstances, she smiles and exclaims, “Because I bloody love basketball!’’ This passion has been her anchor through challenges, including the loss of her father. "Two years ago, my dad died. I cried on the court so many times, but with the help of my teammates, I slowly got back into it. For those two hours, I was so much happier."
Role Models and Inspiration
Michael Jordan is one of Beijer’s heroes, not just for his dominance on the court, but for how he "evolved the game" and built a brand that has transcended basketball. Beijer hopes to leave behind a similar legacy in wheelchair basketball, particularly for women. "I’m building on my own brand a little bit," she says, hoping to help grow the sport and raise its VISibility.
Over time, Beijer has come to embrace her role as a mentor and role model. "There was this one girl in Switzerland who was just so starstruck after playing against me. It was an honor to be that kind of role model," she recounts. Whether it’s answering questions from young athletes on social media or mentoring at wheelchair basketball camps, she takes pride in supporting the next generation.
Looking Ahead
With the 2024 Paralympics behind her, Beijer remains focused on the future. Beyond competing, she is committed to growing wheelchair basketball on a global scale. Running for the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athlete Council, she hopes to create more opportunities for athletes and push for greater VISibility for Paralympic sports. "More people need to start playing sports if we want to keep building the future," she says.
Whether it’s through her work with the Ben Foundation or her efforts to bring media attention to wheelchair basketball, Beijer is determined to make an impact both on and off the court. Her journey from a hopeful young athlete to a world champion is a story of perseverance, passion, and leadership. As she continues to inspire future generations of athletes, her impact on the sport of wheelchair basketball will be felt for years to come.
