Dive into the inspiring journey of Maud van der Meer, former Dutch professional swimmer turned entrepreneur, as she shares her insights on the intersection of athletics, business, and personal growth. Discover how her experiences as an athlete shaped her approach to nutrition, business, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Gain valuable insights as Maud reflects on her transition from Olympic dreams to network marketing, offering candid reflections on challenges overcome and lessons learned along the way. Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of Maud van der Meer, a true champion in and out of the water.
Maud van der Meer's journey into the world of athletics began at a young age, around 9 years old, when she discovered her natural talent for swimming. Her early competitive experiences were marked by enthusiasm and quick progression, leading her to participate in various small competitions. However, it wasn't until she was 15 that she ventured into more significant events, such as the European youth championships.
At 18, Maud made a pivotal decision to join the prestigious pre-corset relay team, setting the stage for her participation in major events like the 2011 World Championships in Shanghai. Despite facing setbacks, such as not qualifying for the Olympics in 2012, Maud's passion for swimming never went away. Even during darker moments, like the aftermath of missing the Olympic qualification, where she admits to indulging in a few months of partying, she always retained the desire to reignite her athletic career.
The turning point came in 2013 when Maud experienced success at the World Short Course Championships, reaffirming her love and commitment to the sport. Her perseverance eventually paid off when she qualified for the Olympics in 2016, although narrowly missing out on a medal.
Following her Olympic aspirations, Maud decided to embrace another significant aspect of her life: motherhood. This period allowed her to explore educational pursuits and significantly reduce her training hours, transitioning from around 20 hours a week to just one hour a day. At 26, she welcomed a son into the world and took a temporary break from intense training to focus on family and personal growth.
Despite her initial intentions to take a step back from competitive swimming, Maud found herself drawn back to the pool merely two months after giving birth, eventually securing a spot on the relay team again. During this time, she also became acquainted with the world of network marketing, initially as a customer of Eqology Pure Arctic Oil in 2017. However, it wasn't until January 2021, when she became involved with network marketing, that she fully immersed herself in the business side of nutritional supplements.
Maud's transition from athlete to entrepreneur wasn't without its challenges. As an introverted individual, the prospect of networking and building connections initially intimidated her. However, upon discovering Eqology through LinkedIn and engaging with successful Business Partners, Maud recognised the potential for personal growth and success within the network marketing industry.
One of the fundamental principles Maud learned from her athletic career is the importance of consistency and perseverance. She emphasises the significance of small, seemingly mundane actions that accumulate over time to yield significant results. Additionally, Maud emphasises the importance of passion and enjoyment in both athletic pursuits and business endeavours, highlighting the rewarding aspect of connecting with new people and following up on opportunities.
As she continues to expand her knowledge and skills in building her business, Maud remains committed to her long-term career plan, aiming to achieve Platinum level status within a four-year timeframe. Despite her diverse background, Maud believes that anyone can succeed in network marketing with dedication and the right mindset.
