The 33-year-old judoka, who became heavyweight world champion in 2005, at a press conference announced that he was missing the motivation to proceed. At the Olympics in Beijing Van der Geest in his fight against Tamerlan Tmenov caught a serious arm injury. Since then he is no longer in action. Next weekend, he would make his comeback in Tunisia, but he is now off.
Van der Geest wanted to stop after the World Championship in August in Rotterdam, but after the silver medal of competitor Grim Vuijsters at the European Championship qualification is little more feasible for the judoka who won bronze at the Olympics in 2004 and ten national and two European titles conquered.
"Physically I was still on"
... Van der Geest said: "My feeling is that I still could win a medal at the World Championship. Rationally, I know that the deep motivation for everything to do not longer is present.
Short CV Dennis van der Geest
- Ten times in a row Dutch champion;
- Twice winner Eurocup for clubs with Kenamju;
- Twice European champion, 2000 and 2002;
- Winner of 11 World Cup's;
- Won a total of five World Championship medals;
- World Champion 2005;
- Bronze 2004 Olympic Games
