Notably, her prowess was evident in her stellar performances at the 2022 UCI Track Champions League events, where she consistently secured top-three finishes, culminating in a commendable third-place position in the overall classification.
However, her accolades extend far beyond the confines of the UCI Track Champions League, encompassing a spectrum of prestigious titles and medals. From clinching the Keirin World silver medal in 2015 to her triumphant gold at the 2020 Olympics, Braspennincx's journey has been defined by moments of sheer brilliance.
Her dominance extended to the European stage, where she claimed multiple titles, including the Sprint European Champion in 2021 and Team Sprint European Champion in 2018 and 2021. Even amidst challenges, such as securing silver in the Team Sprint at the 2022 European Championships, Braspennincx's unwavering determination and indomitable spirit have left an indelible mark on the world of cycling.
The unexpected triumph of securing gold in the keirin event at Tokyo 2020 marked a pinnacle in her journey; however, sustaining her passion for the sport became increasingly challenging thereafter. As the countdown to Paris 2024 commenced, Braspennincx made the decisive choice to retire from competitive cycling.
Braspennincx, now 32, candidly admits, "despite achieving commendable results in both training and competitions, my enthusiasm waned". She reflects on her crowning achievement in Tokyo with pride, declaring, "That day will forever hold a special place in my heart." The post-Olympic period ushered in a whirlwind of engagements, including the European Championships, World Championships, and the UCI Track Champions League, leaving scant opportunity for introspection following her momentous victory.
Coupled with the demands of pursuing a Master in Management Sciences, Braspennincx's schedule remained saturated. Her trajectory to success encountered a significant setback in the summer of 2015 when she endured a heart attack during a training camp in the United States. Despite the ordeal, Braspennincx emerged resilient, not only recovering but also receiving medical clearance to resume her career.
Although her competitive days may be behind her, Braspennincx remains poised to contribute to the sport in other capacities. As the partner of Jeffrey Hoogland, a contender for gold in the team sprint at Paris 2024, she continues to offer support, harbouring hopes for his individual success in the sprint or keirin events.
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