Why Pirmin Blaak is the hero of the Games

Tonight, the Dutch men are playing the hockey final of the Olympic Games. We had tickets for a number of matches, including for the Dutch men. There was one person we had to think back to a few times, and that was Pirmin Blaak, the goalkeeper. Our goalkeeper.

As a supporter, it was already tough to watch the match. The day we were there, the thermometer read 38 degrees in the Stade Yves du Manoir, the stadium where all the hockey matches are played. Sitting still is already hard, let alone playing four quarters of hockey at the highest level. Can it be tougher? Yes, it can. If you are the goalkeeper. And you also wear a body protector, a helmet, thick shin guards, and gloves. Moreover: a goalkeeper cannot be substituted, cannot just take a break in the dugout, cannot lay a wet towel around his neck, and cannot pour a bottle of water over his face. He just stands there in that suit in the blazing sun. Pirmin Blaak loses so much fluid that he sets his alarm at night to rehydrate. Literally.

The team's dietitian has created a hydration plan for each player so that the players do not lose too much fluid, but for Pirmin, it is extra important. He is wet as if he has been standing under a shower after the match.

So here it is, if you are watching tonight. Whether it is live or on your TV. Cheer extra hard for Pirmin, because if anyone deserves it in his warm protective suit, it is him.