Speaker for education: Maarten van der Weijden
Maarten van der Weijden is a speaker for education audiences: he was diagnosed with leukaemia at 19, won Olympic gold in 2008 and has spoken at, among others, a faculty conference of the University of Groningen. His keynotes of 30 to 60 minutes and workshops of 60 to 90 minutes are for schools, universities and education conferences.
No obligation · a tailored proposal within one working day
Talks given, for companies, healthcare, education and government
Olympic gold in the 10 km open water, Beijing
Swam the Elfstedentocht, in 2019
Raised for cancer research, 45 studies funded
Who it is for
Maarten van der Weijden speaks for schools, universities of applied sciences, universities and other education organisations. For staff who have been working hard and short-handed for years, and for students facing big choices. He has spoken at a faculty conference of the University of Groningen and at Het Februaricongres, among others.
A good fit for:
training days and staff days for schools and school boards
education conferences and annual meetings
student conferences run by universities, faculties and study associations
the start of a school year or a new programme
What your audience takes away
Workload is not a personal failure
Maarten says it was no achievement that his treatment worked, but luck. Once you see success that way, you also see that something not working out does not automatically mean you did something wrong. In a job with a lot of responsibility and little time, that takes pressure off.
Knowing when to stop
In 2018 Maarten stopped his first Elfstedentocht swim after 163 kilometres. A year later he swam the full 200 kilometres. For teachers that is about guarding your limits; for students it is about changing course without seeing it as failure.
A big goal in small steps
While he was ill, Maarten could not see the whole road, but he could see the next step. That is how he later worked towards Olympic gold. For students with a degree or a career ahead of them, it is directly useful.
Resilience is a team effort
Maarten did the swimming on the Elfstedentocht, but hundreds of volunteers made it possible. In a school team, resilience lives in colleagues who notice when someone is struggling and take work over when needed.
The story behind it
Maarten van der Weijden was a promising swimmer when he was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2001, at 19. He was the same age as many of the students in the room. In 2008 he won Olympic gold in the 10 km open water at Beijing.
He then worked as a finance manager at Unilever and put his swimming to work for cancer research. Through his foundation he raised €18 million, funding 45 cancer research studies. In his book De laatste slag (Ambo|Anthos, 2026) he writes about the loss, pain and failure behind the achievements. That honesty is what makes his story recognisable for people who are stuck or full of doubt themselves.
What education clients say
According to the organisers of the faculty conference at the University of Groningen, everyone was impressed and inspired. At Het Februaricongres, the organisers heard from several visitors that the talk was very interesting. Their full feedback is below and on the clients page.
What the talk looks like
Beforehand you have a short call with Maarten about your audience and what is going on at your school or institution right now. He adjusts the emphasis: workload and teamwork for teaching staff, goals and choices for students.
A keynote lasts 30, 45 or 60 minutes, with or without Q&A. In an interactive workshop of 60 to 90 minutes participants work on it themselves. Maarten speaks in English and Dutch, on site or online. This theme is closely linked to resilience. All formats are on lectures.
Last checked on
Maarten on setting goals
Formats
Every session is prepared with you in advance, around your organisation, your audience and the goal of the day.
| Format | Length | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Keynote | 30, 45 or 60 minutes | The story, the lessons, and what they mean for your organisation. |
| Keynote with Q&A | 45 to 75 minutes | A keynote followed by questions from the audience, with or without a moderator. |
| Interactive workshop | 60 to 90 minutes | Hands-on work with a smaller group on goals, setbacks and teamwork. |
| Event host | Half day or full day | Maarten hosts your programme: he opens, links the speakers and keeps the day on track. |
- Language:
- Dutch and English
- Location:
- On site or online
- For:
- Companies · Healthcare · Education · Government · Sport · Associations
Feedback
Maarten van der Weijden heeft een heel mooie lezing neergezet op ons facultaire congres van de RUG. Iedereen was onder de indruk en geïnspireerd door zijn bijzondere verhaal.
Ruben SiebeltBSS Congress, Rijksuniversiteit GroningenCongres Wij kregen van verschillende bezoekers de terugkoppeling dat de lezing van Maarten erg interessant was. De manier van spreken en zijn verhaal waren erg inspirerend. Ook was het leuk dat Maarten het publiek erbij betrok.
Het Februaricongres★★★★★ 5/5 · Congres
Book Maarten directly
You talk to Maarten himself, from the first question until after the talk. That way his story fits what is going on in your organisation.
A personal intake call
You discuss your audience, your goal and what is going on right now directly with Maarten.
A proposal within one working day
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Tailored to your audience
Examples and emphasis fit your sector and the theme of the day.
Short lines
Your request reaches Maarten directly and he replies himself.
Frequently asked questions
Which education audiences does Maarten speak for?
What is a talk for education about?
Can Maarten also speak for pupils?
Is there a different fee for schools and education institutions?
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