22 May 2025

From Student to Master

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025

From Student to Master

Dirk Vandevoort earned a well-fought bronze in the M6 -90kg category at the European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025. Reflecting on his final bout, he said, “I am genuinely pleased. I didn’t expect to take bronze, and to score a yuko just three seconds before the end made it a moment to remember.”

The result added another chapter to a long-standing journey as this wasn’t Dirk’s first taste of the European stage, not by a long shot. He has been competing at the veterans for around 15 years, ever since his M2 debut in London. Since then, he has built a steady track record and plenty of memories. Despite his years on the international circuit, this was Dirk’s first visit to Latvia. “It is a beautiful country, very green, very clean. A lovely place to be.”

Meanwhile, he was sincere about the day’s pace. “The organisation could have been tighter. Some of us arrived at nine in the morning and had to wait all day for the medal ceremony. They might consider working in batches next time, it would really help.”

In white, Dirk Vandevoort © Carlos Ferreira

Dirk’s journey began in 1978, when he was just 12 years old. Now aged 59, he still trains, and teaches, at the same club in Merchtem, just outside Brussels. “I started judo there, and now I am head coach. From student to master, it is all come full circle.” So, what keeps him going? “The people. The fun. The energy. It is always a great atmosphere. I have had no serious injuries either, so I just keep going.”

Judo, for Dirk, is very much a family affair. His son, a second dan black belt, often coaches him, including at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi, where Dirk took gold. His wife is also part of the travelling team. “It is a team effort at home too. That makes it all the more special.”

Belgium’s veteran community is still growing, divided between Flemish and French-speaking federations. “The French side is a bit further ahead in terms of structure and events but we (Flemish side) are getting there. There are veteran trainings three times a month in different locations. We have annual nationals too. Sadly, the national championships weren’t held yet this year but that’s something we are hoping to improve. In any case, here, we are all one team, together, representing Belgium.”

Away from judo, Dirk works in IT at a bank and is a father of two. He hopes to retire in five years but don’t expect him to slow down. Hobbies? “When I am not on the tatami, I practise calligraphy. Real ink, old-school pens, colours, it relaxes me completely.” As day one of the championships came to a close in Riga, Dirk’s story was a reminder that true passion doesn’t fade, it matures, deepens and continues to inspire.

Author: Szandra Szogedi