Athlete Amina Madouk has chosen the ‘Blue Devils’ in the United States

Leiden athlete Amina Moduk is heading to Duke University in North Carolina this summer. (Photo: Jerry van Beckel).

Amina Madok is a rising star in Dutch track, road and field athletics. Scouts in the United States have also noticed this. The universities there are always looking for new skills. Maatoug himself chose Duke University in North Carolina to become the “Blue Devils” of their track and field team.

Her favorite distance is 800 meters on the track, but Maatoug thinks she may be better at 1500 meters in the long run. Currently, he does all kinds of areas: 400m, 800m and 1500m on the track, cross country in the winter and wants to participate in the five kilometers during his hometown of Leiden. Marathon. And with success. In November, Maatoug became the Dutch champion in the under-20 cross.

Sport 071 presenter Jerry Van Beckel talks to Amina Modoke about moving to an American university.

The title also qualified for the European Cross Country Championships in Ireland on December 12. Maatoug finished 21st, so happy. “The competition is fierce. Both other medium distance runners and high runners on the road off the track. As a team we finished fourth. Unfortunately no medal. But the difference with the third team was huge, so in the end we were happy with it.

Opportunity
The interest of American universities came with good results. “I already have news on my Instagram account. Eventually I went in search of myself. Duke University is a good university when it comes to sports and especially athletics, as well as completing my philosophy degree. I’m going for two years. I will definitely miss my family and Leighton, but this is also a good opportunity.

His current coaches at Leiden Athletics, Bram Wassner and Hon Kulker, are encouraging change. “They said I could always call if I had any questions.” Maatoug does not want to speculate about the future. “I want to have a good sport, I want to improve myself. I do not know if I can go to the Olympics. I will train with the best athletes in the United States and I think I will learn a lot.

Leiden Sports