Rotterdam native Jarno van Daalen is quickly establishing himself as a force in the world of athletics, achieving remarkable success in both shot put and discus throw. The 19-year-old’s recent accomplishments, including a gold medal at the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships, mark a significant turning point in his burgeoning career. Van Daalen’s trajectory, fueled by dedicated training and a strong family legacy in the sport, is drawing attention from athletics enthusiasts and experts alike.
Van Daalen’s breakthrough year culminated in a gold medal in the shot put at the World Athletics U20 Championships held in Lima, Peru, on August 27, 2024, with a personal best throw of 20.76 meters . He also secured a silver medal in the discus throw at the same championships . These achievements follow a string of successes, including becoming Dutch U20 indoor champion in the shot put in 2024 and setting a personal best of 20.04 meters at the Golden Spike event in Leiden in May 2024 .
Family Roots in Athletics
Van Daalen’s passion for athletics is deeply rooted in his family history. He is the son of Jacqueline Goormachtigh, a Dutch Olympian in the discus throw, and the brother of Alida van Daalen, a European U23 champion in both the discus and shot put . This familial connection has undoubtedly played a role in his development as an athlete, providing both inspiration and guidance.
Academic Pursuits Alongside Athletic Training
Balancing rigorous athletic training with academic commitments, Van Daalen is currently studying technical computer science at the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences . This demonstrates his commitment to a well-rounded education and future beyond the world of sports.
Rising Through the Ranks
Van Daalen’s success didn’t happen overnight. He first gained recognition as a Dutch U18 champion in both the shot put and discus throw . He continued to refine his skills, achieving a personal best of 20.40 meters in the shot put in Groningen on June 1, 2024 . His consistent improvement and dedication have propelled him to the forefront of the Dutch athletics scene.
In February 2025, Van Daalen retained his Dutch U20 indoor shot put title in Apeldoorn, setting a meeting record with a winning distance of 20.46 meters . He also competed in the U23 European Throwing Cup 2025 in Nicosia, participating in both the shot put and discus events .
Looking Ahead
Jarno van Daalen’s rapid ascent in the world of athletics is a testament to his talent, hard work, and supportive family background. He was nominated for the European Athletics Rising Star award in September 2024 and was named Rotterdam sports talent of the year for 2024 . As he continues to hone his skills and compete at higher levels, the future looks bright for this promising young athlete. His personal bests currently stand at 20.76m for shot put and 57.79m for discus throw , and fans will be watching to notice how he builds on these achievements in upcoming competitions.
What are your thoughts on Jarno van Daalen’s potential? Share your comments below and let us know what you think he can achieve in the future!
