My name is Manouk Gijsman. I was born on the 29th of September 1992 and live in Alphen aan de Rijn in the Netherlands. My greatest passion is figure skating. When I was 7 years old I took a few skating lessons. Since 8 I skated every week and became part of a young talent group in the club. At 14 I became the Novice Netherlands champion, the following year the Junior Netherlands champion and then, at 16, the Netherlands champion at Senior level. Three years as champion in successive categories has never happened before and is a record. I already have reached an 8th place in a Junior Grand Prix and finals in World Junior-, European Senior- and World Senior championships.

In addition to figure skating my favourite hobbies are watching films, reading, dancing and skiing.

I now study Economics and Sport Management at a College in Amsterdam through the Johan Cruyff Academy. This allows me to effectively combine topsport and education.