Who is Pieter Van Den Hoogenband

Dutch swimmer Pieter Van Den Hoogenband is one of the world's best ever swimmers.  Van Den Hoogenband's career (so far) includes three Olympic gold, two Olympic silver and two Olympic bronze medals. After finishing fourth twice at the 1996 Olympics, Van Den Hoogenband made his mark in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.  After breaking Ian Thorpe's world record in the semi-finals of the 200m freestyle, Thorpe and Van Den Hoogenband swam stroke for stroke for most of the final with Van Den Hoogenband winning in the same time as the world record he had broken the night before.  He went on to break the world record in the semi finals of the 100m freestyle and then won gold in the 100m freestyle the following night.  Van Den Hoogenband also went on to win the 100m freestyle at the Athens Olympics in 2004. 

 

 

Pieter Van Den Hoogenband has been one of the gentlemen of swimming for the past decade.  An outstanding performer who is loved by all as he travels around the world.  Pieter is very popular in Australia where he has competed many times at World Cups and Skins events as well as major championships.