Badminton’s Legacy: Three Generations United by Passion
In the world of badminton, the van Wankum family has left an indelible mark that spans three generations. Dennis van Wankum, a passionate player and certified trainer, recounts how the love for the sport has been passed down through the years.
Planting the Seed: The Early Days
“Badminton was always present at home,” says Dennis, who was introduced to the sport at a young age by his father, Ed, and uncle, Fred.
Fred, a renowned coach, molded the careers of top players like Elano Nijkamp and Kirsten van der Valk at BC Amersfoort.
Fred is second from the left in this publication from Clear magazine, January 2011.
The Badminton Gene: Uninterrupted
Despite a brief hiatus due to an injury at age 12, Dennis picked up the racquet again, eventually finding his way back to OSM as a trainer.
Now, the badminton gene has skipped no generations. Three years ago, Dennis’ eldest daughter, Romy, started playing. Currently, she’s a member of OSM-J8 and plays for the BSU.
Keeping the Legacy Alive
“It’s great to see how well OSM is currently doing in youth,” says Dennis, who hopes to see the seniors return to their former glory.
Did you know?
Dennis is a certified trainer who provides training at OSM every Saturday morning. He’s always eager to hear both criticism and praise.
Pro tips from Dennis van Wankum
- Focus on fun, development, and honesty to build a strong badminton community.
- Never hesitate to share constructive feedback, no matter if it’s about improvements or achievements.
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