Name: Rafael Raap

Born: 18 Mar. 1999
Sports: Men’s Track & Field / Cross Country
School: University of Oregon & University of Illinois

Placed: Spring 2023

A talent from an early age

Rafael Raap is one of the best all-around athletes in the Netherlands. He started athletics at the age of seven, and it soon became clear that he had exceptional talent. At the age of twelve he transferred to top club PAC Rotterdam, where he took his first real steps toward top-level sport. From the age of seventeen he trained daily at national top sports center Papendal as a decathlete.

The years at Papendal brought Rafael much, but not without obstacles. Injuries – including one to his Achilles tendon – made it tough. Yet his ambitions remained intact: Rafael stayed focused, recovered and used his setbacks to become mentally and physically stronger. After his recovery, he decided it was time for a new step: the United States.

Start at University of Oregon

Within two months of his decision to go to the U.S., Rafael signed a contract with the University of Oregon – the top university when it comes to athletics. The facilities are world-class and the famous Hayward Field can accommodate more than 12,000 spectators. With a personal record of 7829 points, he made an immediate impression.

Sporting successes

In his junior year, Rafael finished second in the PAC-12 Conference, one of the strongest athletic conferences in America. Not much later, he finished 14th at the NCAA Nationals. In 2024, it was hit again: Rafael became PAC-12 champion and finished sixth at the NCAA Nationals. This allowed him to officially call himself the sixth best all-around competitor in America.

Transfer to University of Illinois

To develop even further, Rafael later made a transfer to the University of Illinois. There he combined his athletic ambitions with his academic goals, with the ultimate goal of participating in European Championships, World Cups and the Olympics.

Customized guidance

Slamstox helped Rafael find the right program and offered support in getting eligible to play in America. We also advised on scholarships and negotiated with universities. Rafael started without a full scholarship, but earned it in the following years through his achievements.

Rafael is an example of dedication and perseverance, according to Slamstox. He was even nominated for the “Student-Athlete of the Year 2024” award. His story was shared in national media, and rightfully so: he shows what is possible when you follow your dreams.

Quote Rafael
“The development I went through in America I could never have achieved in the Netherlands. My full focus was on training and performing. I grew enormously as a person and athlete. If I had to do it all over again, I would get on a plane right away.”

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