“Accepteren & Doorgaan” a book by Jelle van Gorkom

Jul 07, 2021

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 3411 times

Name: Jelle van Gorkom
Hometown: Duiven (near Arnhem), Netherlands
3 biggest BMX accomplishments (results): Olympic silver Rio, Brazil 2016! UCI BMX World champs silver Zolder, Belgium 2015! UCI World Cup win 2013 Papendal, Netherlands!

Congratulations on your book release. How did that come about?
Jelle van Gorkom: Thank you. Well, to be honest, we (Ad van Ham, a documentary editor and me) were talking about the documentary about my latest rehab, and I felt there was missing something and then we came up with the idea about my book! He always wanted to write a book, so do the math and the book was born: “Accepteren & Doorgaan” [Accept & Continue]. Ad asked me the questions, I gave him the answers.

How long did it take from the early talks to the final product?
Jelle van Gorkom: About an intensive 1,5 year! From the idea to the actual book!

You have always been a good talker, was it difficult for you to fill the pages for the book?
Jelle van Gorkom: Thanks! I've always been a good talker indeed. Since my accident I've lost let's say 20% of that! My speaking was unfortunately one area in my brain that got hit pretty badly! But work is in progress so it is getting better and better even if I say so myself.

How many pages does the book have?
Jelle van Gorkom: 208 pages of fun times!

Does the author have any BMX experience?
Jelle van Gorkom: The author is, as said, a documentary editor, who was in Rio during the Olympic Games so yes he is familiar with our Sport!

What are some of the subjects in the book without giving away too much?
Jelle van Gorkom: It's a biography with 4 chapters! Or is this too much already!?

You have made big steps in your recovery. What are three steps that you are the most proud of?
Jelle van Gorkom: When I was able to “walk” and could step out of my wheelchair! Of course when I was able to ride on 2 wheels again! Getting back my driving licence!

It seems although the accident happened riding BMX that you have not lost the love for BMX. Do you still follow the sport?
Jelle van Gorkom: I AM A BIG FAN OF THE SPORT in general. I've always been, and always will.

Being on the sidelines now, who are your favorites for the Men and Women BMX medals in Tokyo?
Jelle van Gorkom: Since there have hardly been any international races it's hard to say! But since I'm Dutch, I have to go with Niek Kimmann 313 for the Men's and for the Women's I’m with Alise Willoughby 11!

Back to the book, a question that has come up, will it be available in English at some point?
Jelle van Gorkom: I'm happy to say that we got that question a lot during the launch! And if the sales keep going like this, there is definitely a BIG chance an English version will come out!

Where can people order the book?
Jelle van Gorkom: Right now the only way is through my website www.jellevangorkom.com

Will you be available at the 2021 UCI World Championships at Papendal to sign books?
Jelle van Gorkom: I will definitely be there and if my role as an ambassador will give me some time, we can for sure do that!

Thanks to: Thanks to you first off all and secondly everybody on my side! I can't miss/forget one of you so no names. You know who you are!

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