Do you know...Casper Boom?

Korfball-international Casper Boom (31) has won just about everything but the kitchen sink when it comes to korfball, up to and including the world championship. Yet when it comes to the Eurogames, this year in Rotterdam will be his first. Because he has only been out for a year. "I saw many more obstacles on the road than there turned out to be."

Casper Boom, what will you be doing during the Rotterdam Games?
'I'll be watching, just looking around, during my first time there. Before I came out last year I would have not gone at all.'

You came out at 30, and became open about who you are. Will other athletes be encouraged to show their true colours as well?
'There will always be those who struggle, but by now I have met several dozen. I like attending meetings and events where current and veteran athletes can discuss and share their experiences. I'm being asked to tell people my story. My story? Why has it taken so long to admit my preferences. It has been a long, slow process for me. Looking back I'm realising it has taken too long, I wanted to come out so much sooner. I was creating obstacles and seeing problems that just weren't there.

Coming out was unexpectedly easy, actually. I kept thinking "Everybody knows me in the world of Korfball, what are they going to think?" At every game there are going to be 500 people in the crowd who could start calling names and throwing insults. There has been one game, unsportive and grimm, where I was called "gay". I didn't respond to it. After we won, by one point at 25-24, my direct opponent came up to shake my hand and apologise for the crowd.'

What part of coming and being out are you enjoying the most?
'My new-found freedom! I don't have to stay in the background anymore when we are taking the team-bus back after a game and everybody is gregarious and outgoing. I'm able to join the conversation now when we are discussing relationships and sex. I had never told anybody about my sexuality. Never. Now I can joke with my team-mates about "scoring some gay" at a PANN-party. In jest, of course. They also ask me about my love-life, or want to know what type of guy I'm attracted to.'

Can you explain to a straight person why the LGBT-community wants their own Games?
'Not yet. I haven't made up a clear picture of the situation yet. I'll be experiencing everything this summer.'

How many stages have you been on in your life?
'When it comes to korfball, I've won everything. Four Dutch championships, three European, and with the Dutch team we've won the European Championship, the World Chapionship and the World Games. But I'd gladly do it all again! It's just so wonderful. There is nothing cooler than being in Ahoy stadium playing the final with 10.000 people surrounding you. It will be a while before our DOS'46/Engeldot-team is ready for that again. We're building a new team right now.'

Who'd you like to show around the Eurogames?
'My friends from Hardenberg. Just for fun. They are very tolerant guys.'

Are you planning to run into someone special during the Games?
Hahaha. I am single, but I know these things never happen when you go out looking for them. I'll see what happens.'