Robert Meeuwsen, one of the Netherlands’ most celebrated beach volleyball players, concluded his illustrious career this week at Scheveningen beach, where his journey began. In a dramatic twist of fate, Meeuwsen’s final match saw him and his long-time partner, Alexander Brouwer, defeated by their own countrymen, Steven Van de Velde and Matthew Immers.
The match, held during the CEV EuroBeachVolley 2024, was a poignant moment for the sport. Meeuwsen and Brouwer, who had been trailblazers in Dutch beach volleyball, lost 2-1 to the younger duo they had once mentored. This defeat not only marked their last appearance on the competitive stage but also dashed their hopes of participating in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The final match unfolded as an emotional spectacle. Meeuwsen and Brouwer, who had been a formidable team for 14 years, including a bronze medal win at the 2016 Rio Olympics, saw their Olympic dreams thwarted by Van de Velde and Immers, who secured the Dutch quota for Paris 2024.
Before the medal matches on Sunday, Dutch fans honored Meeuwsen’s career with a heartfelt tribute. Highlights of his career, including the memorable gold medal at the 2013 World Championships in Stare Jablonki and numerous podium finishes on the FIVB World Tour, were showcased in a special presentation.
In his farewell speech, Meeuwsen reflected on his journey, expressing gratitude to his supporters and family. “It feels like we have come full circle. I started here, met my love here, and this is where I will always call home,” he said.
The moment was bittersweet, with Immers, who had idolized Meeuwsen as a child, admitting he was moved to tears during the match. “These boys are my heroes. It was tough playing against them, especially knowing it was Robert’s last game,” Immers said.
