For decathlete Sven Roosen, 2026 feels like a fresh start. Not because his ambitions have changed, they remain sky-high, but because the way he views his sport has fundamentally shifted.

After a year marked by physical setbacks and mental lessons, he begins the new season with a clear focus: build, enjoy, and trust the process. The first major test? The prestigious Hypomeeting in Götzis.

Lessons from a challenging year

Last season came with its share of obstacles. First a knee injury, followed by persistent Achilles tendon issues during the World Championships in Tokyo. What started as an ambitious plan to peak at the right time became a confronting lesson.

In the final months leading up to the championships, Sven pushed too hard in search of top form.

“Form comes naturally. If you go looking for it, you won’t find it.”

Instead of trusting the process, results became the priority. Validation had to come from training. Physically and mentally, that became too much. His Achilles flared up, and recovery took longer than hoped.

Now, he is fully fit again. Sprinting from the blocks for the first time in months. And more importantly: with a different mindset.

Building the foundation: zone 2 and lactate testing

This winter was all about laying the groundwork.

More Zone 2 training, 45 minutes of controlled endurance work, formed the core of his preparation. Relatively low intensity, but highly effective for improving aerobic capacity. During the January training camp in Stellenbosch, he completed these sessions twice a week.

Progress is tracked objectively through lactate testing: increasing treadmill speed every few minutes, measuring lactate levels, analyzing results, and defining training zones. The goal: a stronger, more sustainable base.

For a decathlete, that foundation is essential. As Sven puts it:

“As a decathlete, you want to win the lottery ten times. But first, you need to make sure you already hold the winning numbers.”

Those winning numbers are his endurance base, physical resilience, and recovery capacity.

The road to Birmingham

The main goal for this season is the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham this August.

To qualify, Sven needs to score 8,300 points in Götzis. If he falls short there, he will have another opportunity at the decathlon in Ratingen, Germany, at the end of June.

This year’s approach is different:

• More focus on day-to-day progress
• Less pressure to “be in form”
• Full commitment to disciplined training
• Relaxed, but never complacent

“I trust more now that the level will come naturally. Last year it came quickly, but it wasn’t sustainable. This feels freer.”

That freedom does not mean less ambition. Quite the opposite; it means trusting the long game.

A changing team environment

There are also changes within the national training squad.

Rik Taam has retired. Leon Mak no longer trains with the Papendal selection. The group is getting smaller.

At the same time, that creates new dynamics. With former decathlete Giel Warners now serving as technical director, Sven can exchange ideas with someone who understands the sport from the inside. Younger athletes coming through the U.S. college system also bring fresh energy and inspiration.

Competition is increasing, and that is a good thing.

“In the future, you might be fourth-best in the Netherlands and still not make the team. That’s elite sport.”

More than just sport

Perhaps the biggest gains are happening off the track.

His studies provide healthy distraction and balance outside the sports bubble. He is also preparing for a move. After five years living in an elite sports community, Sven will move into an apartment with his girlfriend.

More distance from the sports bubble. More connection to the “real world.”

That perspective helps.

“You can worry a lot about small things. But so many people have their own challenges. That helps put things into perspective.”

The balance between elite sport and everyday life brings mental calm. And calm often translates into performance.

Enjoyment as a strategy

What stands out most in the conversation is enjoyment.

Enjoying the training camp in Potchefstroom.
Enjoying the first sprint from the blocks.
Enjoying the process.

“I hope to truly enjoy the sport again this season. Then the performance will follow naturally.”

At Fonto, we recognize that lesson well. Whether in elite sport or technology: sustainable performance does not come from forced peaks, but from a strong foundation, consistent discipline, and trust in the process.

Fonto proudly supports Sven Roosen in partnership with TalentEmpowerment. We believe in sustainable growth—in sports, in technology, and beyond.