Rachel Klamer
A durable and charismatic Dutch triathlete who has been a smiling, consistent force on the international circuit for over a decade.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Dutch triathlete·Birthday: October 8·Millennials
Biography
Rachel Klamer brings a distinctive blend of joy and grit to the world of triathlon. The Dutch athlete, with her recognizable blonde braid and post-race smiles, has been a mainstay on the ITU World Triathlon Series since her junior days. Her career is a model of persistence, regularly finishing in the top ten at major events and securing her place on Dutch Olympic teams. Klamer's strength lies in her all-around competence—a strong swimmer, a powerful cyclist, and a determined runner—which allows her to contend in the unpredictable draft-legal format. She embodies the spirit of a competitor who thrives on the journey as much as the result.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Rachel was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Rachel Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Rachel's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won a gold medal in the Mixed Team Relay at the 2020 European Triathlon Championships.
- Competed for the Netherlands at the Olympic Games in both 2016 and 2020.
- Earned a bronze medal at the ITU Triathlon Junior World Championships in 2009.
- Achieved multiple podium finishes on the ITU World Triathlon Series circuit.
Did You Know?
She is known for always wearing her hair in a signature braid during competitions.
Klamer is married to fellow Dutch elite triathlete Marco Van Der Stel.
She studied Human Movement Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
“I always race with a smile. That's the most important thing, to enjoy what you're doing.”
