Jet van der Heijden

Jet has been involved in athletics since the age of six, exploring various disciplines before focusing on throwing events around age 13. Initially specializing in the javelin, she discovered her passion and talent for discus and has since dedicated herself to excelling in the event.

Her achievements include multiple podium finishes at the Dutch National Championships and winning gold at the Zilveren Discus Memorial François Van Den Branden in 2024. Training with the elite ATR group in Rotterdam, Jet thrives in a high-performance environment that has fueled her growth as an athlete. Jet has been selected for the prestigious winter training program at the National Training Center Papendal. This program, spanning six Saturdays during the winter season, is designed for talented U20 athletes identified as strong candidates for qualification to major international championships, such as the European Championships in 2025. Jet's inclusion in this group highlights her potential and dedication to excelling on the international stage.

Athletic Career Highlights

• Dutch National Championships U18 (2022): Bronze (Discus)
• Dutch National Championships U18 (2023): Silver (Javelin)
• Dutch National Championships U20 Indoor (2024): Silver (Shot Put)
• Dutch National Championships U20 (2024): Silver (Discus)
• Dutch Senior National Championships (2024): 7th (Discus)
• Zilveren Discus Memorial François Van Den Branden (2024, Junior Women): 1st Place

Personal Records (PRs):

• Discus (1kg): 47.01m
• Shot Put (4kg): 12.53m

Strengths
Jet’s greatest strength lies in her perseverance and discipline. She approaches challenges with determination, never giving up when progress is slow. Having balanced rigorous gymnasium coursework with 5–7 days of training per week, she has developed exceptional time-management skills and a strong work ethic.

Her physical attributes also give her a competitive edge; at 1.89m (6'2") tall, Jet’s height is a significant advantage in discus throwing. Beyond her individual performance, she values the camaraderie and shared goals of a team, contributing positively to team dynamics. Jet was a key contributor to helping her competitive team from Leiden Atletiek secure promotion to the Eerste Divisie this year. 

Athletic Goals
Jet’s primary goal is to maximize her potential as a thrower. She looks forward to the opportunity to train and compete in the United States, where she hopes to learn from experienced coaches, contribute to her team’s success, and experience the unique culture of collegiate athletics. Her ultimate aspiration is to qualify for an international senior championship and represent her country on the world stage.

To reach those goals, Jet is continuously working on refining her technique and maximizing her power transfer during throws. While she has made significant strides, she is eager to further hone her form and execution to achieve greater distances. She is also focused on improving her mental approach to competition, ensuring she performs consistently under pressure.

Additional Information
Jet’s lifelong passion for sports extends beyond throwing. She has participated in a wide range of athletic activities, including basketball, ballet, tennis, gymnastics, ice skating, and soccer. She comes from a highly athletic family where sports play a central role. Her 16-year-old brother is a member of the national youth basketball team. Jet's well-rounded background has given her a deep appreciation for movement, coordination, and athleticism. She also enjoys coaching youth athletes, sharing her love for the sport, and staying engaged with the broader athletics community.

Jet is excited to embrace the student-athlete experience in the U.S., where she can combine her passion for sport with academic excellence, compete in major collegiate meets, and immerse herself in a culture that celebrates athletic achievement.