Dutch long-distance swimmer Maarten van der Weijden has permanently ended his charity swim for the Prinses Máxima Centrum after falling ill with nausea, abdominal complaints, and a fever during the course, according to regional broadcaster Omroep Brabant.
Van der Weijden aimed to complete a 270-kilometer route passing through 22 cities to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. The physical toll of the journey ultimately forced a premature halt to what he stated would be his final major swimming campaign. Outlets including the national broadcaster NOS and regional reports from De Gelderlander confirmed that the athlete pulled out of the water in Oudewater after pushing through stretches in Schoonhoven, Haastrecht, and Gouda.
Health Complications End Record Attempt
The decision to stop came after persistent health struggles. According to coverage compiled by Noordhollands Dagblad, Van der Weijden initially encountered severe stomach issues and nausea before attempting a restart on Thursday. By Friday morning, his symptoms worsened to include a fever. Despite these setbacks, he entered the water in Schoonhoven early Friday, but the illness proved insurmountable, leading to his exit in Oudewater.
De Gelderlander described the endeavor as a “beastly performance” as messages of support poured in for the swimmer, who has a history of undertaking massive endurance swims for charity.
Fundraising Success and the Postponed Check Presentation
Despite the premature end to the swim, the charitable impact remains substantial. Reports indicate that the campaign has raised over half a million euros for research into the late effects of childhood cancer at the Prinses Máxima Centrum in Utrecht.
Illness forced Van der Weijden to miss the initial cheque presentation scheduled immediately following the suspended swim, according to NU. He plans to rest and recover before delivering the funds directly to the children’s hospital. According to local reporting updates, he hopes to present the money to the Utrecht facility as soon as Saturday, provided his recovery progresses sufficiently.
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