Ylva has been a competitive swimmer since the age of six, showcasing her talent early in her career. She currently trains at the Centre d’Entrainement in Liège, one of Belgium’s elite sports schools, while competing under the banners of HZS Hasselt and PSV Eindhoven. Ylva is a consistent top-10 performer in both Belgium and the Netherlands, excelling across a range of events including freestyle, backstroke, and individual medley.

Over her career, Ylva has earned multiple championship titles, including becoming the Flemish Champion in the 100m backstroke. She has also achieved podium finishes in Dutch and Belgian National Championships and has been a provincial champion on numerous occasions.

Athleticism runs in Ylva’s family; her mother was a high-level swimmer, and her father competed nationally in handball. This deep-rooted passion for sports has driven Ylva to continually push her limits and strive for excellence.

Athletic Career Highlights

• Flemish Champion in the 100m backstroke.
• Multiple-time silver and bronze medalist at the Belgian Championships in the 200m and 400m individual medley.
• Medalist at the Dutch Championships in the 200m and 400m individual medley and 200m butterfly.
• Provincial Champion in Limburg and Brabant across various distances.
• Consistent top-10 performer at national championships in both Belgium and the Netherlands.

Personal Bests (PBs)

Freestyle (SCM)

• 50m: 28.31 
• 100m: 1:01.12 
• 200m: 2:11.81 
• 400m: 4:38.88 

Backstroke (SCM)

• 50m: 33.12 
• 100m: 1:09.37 
• 200m: 2:22.33 

Individual Medley (SCM)

• 100m: 1:09.51 
• 200m: 2:24.25 
• 400m: 5:06.86 

Butterfly (SCM)

• 50m: 29.59
• 100m: 1:05.56 / 1:06.82 LCM 
• 200m: 2:28.29 

Strengths

Ylva is an intelligent and resilient athlete with a deep love for swimming. Her ability to process coaching feedback and translate it into improved performance is one of her standout qualities. Years of competing at a high level have given her the tools to handle stress, manage expectations, and maintain focus under pressure.

She is also a disciplined and physically robust athlete, with a strong commitment to maintaining her mental and physical well-being. Her supportive nature and positive attitude make her an asset to any team environment, and she values collaboration with teammates to achieve shared goals.

Goals

Ylva’s primary goal during her collegiate swimming career is to improve her personal bests while becoming an even more technically proficient swimmer. She is eager to contribute to her team’s success. She wants to keep competing at Dutch and Belgian National Championships and has aspirations of earning podium finishes and potentially achieving European Junior or European Championship qualifications.

Beyond her time in the U.S., Ylva hopes to apply the skills and experiences she gains to excel in her professional and personal life while continuing her lifelong passion for swimming.