Monique Kalkman-van den Bosch Dutch athlete, Paralympic champion in table tennis Date of Birth: 28.11.1964 Country: Netherlands

1. Monique Kalkman-van den Bosch: A Paralympic Legend
2. Early Life and Paralympic Dreams
3. Overcoming Adversity and Pursuing Table Tennis
4. Transition to Wheelchair Tennis and Paralympic Triumph
5. Dominance in Wheelchair Tennis
6. Retirement and Legacy
7. Post-Tennis Career: Golf and Philanthropy
8. Hall of Fame Induction and Recognition

Monique Kalkman-van den Bosch: A Paralympic Legend

Monique Kalkman-van den Bosch, a Dutch athlete, is a Paralympic champion in table tennis and wheelchair tennis. She is the only woman to have won Paralympic titles in two different sports and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2017.

Early Life and Paralympic Dreams

Monique was an avid sports enthusiast from a young age, participating in hockey, water polo, equestrian, sailing, and tennis. Inspired by tennis stars Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, she aspired to a professional tennis career. However, at 14, her health deteriorated, leading to paralysis in her lower body due to tumors along her spine.

Overcoming Adversity and Pursuing Table Tennis

Despite her diagnosis, Monique remained optimistic and determined. After watching the 1980 Paralympic Games in Arnhem, she decided to take up wheelchair table tennis. Four years later, at the Stoke Mandeville Paralympics, the 19-year-old won the gold medal in the sport.

Transition to Wheelchair Tennis and Paralympic Triumph

As wheelchair tennis gained momentum, Monique began training under Dutch coach Peter Segers in 1986. She won silver at a demonstration event at the 1988 Paralympic Games. For the 1992 Barcelona Paralympics, where wheelchair tennis became an official event, she revamped her playing style, incorporating tactical maneuvers and spin shots. With the support of her coach and future husband, Mark Kalkman, Monique excelled. She won gold in both singles and doubles at the 1992 Paralympics.

Dominance in Wheelchair Tennis

In the following years, Monique became a dominant force in wheelchair tennis. She won the world championship four times consecutively from 1992 to 1995, the Masters Tournament in 1994 and 1995, and eight Super Series events. She also maintained the world's number one ranking for 126 consecutive weeks. At the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics, she won a second gold in doubles and a silver in singles.

Retirement and Legacy

In 1997, Kalkman-van den Bosch retired from tennis. She played her final match at the Masters Tournament in Eindhoven, symbolically passing the torch to young players Esther Vergeer and Sonja Peters. Both her protegées went on to achieve great success in wheelchair tennis. Kalkman-van den Bosch finished her career with 198 wins and 32 losses, including a remarkable 151-25 record in singles.

Post-Tennis Career: Golf and Philanthropy

After retiring, Kalkman took up wheelchair golf and became an advocate for its inclusion in the Paralympics. She also founded the "Going for Golf" foundation, promoting golf as a means of rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, she continued to serve as an ambassador for the International Tennis Federation.

Hall of Fame Induction and Recognition

Monique Kalkman-van den Bosch was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2017, joining Chantal Vandierendonck as the fifth wheelchair tennis player to receive this prestigious honor. Her legacy as a Paralympic champion and pioneer in adaptive sports continues to inspire generations of athletes.