Houthalen-Helchteren (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Roos Vanotterdijk won silver and bronze at the 2025 World Swimming Championships. She got a warm welcome at Zaventem. Mayor Alain Yzermans may give her honorary citizenship.
As VRT News reported, Roos Vanotterdijk came home after winning 2 medals at the World Swimming Championships. She was welcomed at Zaventem Airport by her swimming club De Meerkoet from Bree and people from Houthalen-Helchteren.
Roos won a silver and a bronze medal. The mayor of Houthalen-Helchteren, Alain Yzermans, was there to greet her. He said Roos is a great example for the town. He also said they will hold a party to celebrate her success. The town is very proud of her.
What Honour awaits Roos Vanotterdijk after her medals?
Along with planning a welcome party, the town is also thinking about giving Roos Vanotterdijk honorary citizenship. This is a special title that towns give to people who have done something great or who bring pride to the community.
“I’ve been asked this question several times, but we still have to discuss it with the municipal executive. She would certainly deserve honorary citizenship, but it remains to be seen whether that’s possible,”
Said the mayor.
Roos Vanotterdijk got a warm welcome at Zaventem Airport. Her old swimming club, De Meerkoet from Bree, came with a big group to greet her. They brought flags, banners, and clapped loudly as she walked in. About 20 people from the club were there, including young swimmers and fans.
Roos Vanotterdijk was born in 2005 in Belgium. She started swimming at the age of 12. She joined the De Meerkoet club in Bree. She broke many Belgian records for her age. In 2022, she won medals at the European Junior Championships. Later, she also did well at senior competitions. In 2025, she made history by winning silver and bronze at the World Championships. She is the first Belgian woman to do this.
