AUAS student Roger to the EUC powerlifting

Roger Hijlaard is 23 years old and studies Built Environment at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA). When he received the news that he qualified for the European University Cup in powerlifting (woohoo!) he immediately started his financial research. Because this cool experience has a pretty serious price tag… Therefore, Roger reached out to the AUAS sports coordinator and got in touch with the USC elite sports fund. And now we’re almost there already: this month, Roger will lift his butt off at the European University Cup in France!

Because of his training schedule for the EUC, Roger wasn’t able to join the USC Winter Games in January, while he really wanted to. To compete against Robb in the Yoke Walk for example. “Although I probably never could have beat him”. In this interview, you’ll get to know Roger a little better.

Roger competing ©️ Lift media 2022

How did you start with powerlifting?

“Before I started strength sports, I played basketball till I was sixteen. After that, I discovered crossfit and fitness, and I found out that I was most passionate about the three big lifts: squats, bench presses, and deadlifts! So I’ve only been doing powerlifting for a little over a year now”

How is it to be part of the student sports association KRATOS? Besides training together, do you also do fun things together?

“Becoming a member of KRATOS was one of the best decisions I made! Every week, there is a ‘KRATOS hour’ in which we all go training together in the Universum gym. And there are also a lot of fun activities, like going out for dinner, doing a pole dancing course, and the monthly borrel.”

What makes powerlifting such a fun sport for students?

“The powerlift community is very close. Everybody supports each other and that’s what makes it so nice for me. As a powerlifter, you don’t have a weekly match like in soccer – it’s only a few times per year. So, your goals are normally very long-term. Talk about patience… Therefore, I advise everyone to find a coach that can help you with training schedules and setting goals.”

What do you reward yourself with after a heavy powerlifting session?

“A big meal and a good night’s sleep. To improve recovery. Although I sometimes spend the evening after my workout with a good series on the couch 😉. But I am often quickly back to (mentally) preparing for the next training session.”

And lastly: what are your goals for the EUC?

“My goal is to gain experience and go for personal records. It’s just my first international competition (but definitely not my last 💪) and I really want to enjoy it. But I am going to give it all I have!”

Follow Roger and the Dutch team during the EUC from 16 till 18 March.

Would you like to try powerlifting yourself? Check the beginners course that’s starting again this April!